For most students studying medicine at University, their future profession is a vocation they are already strongly inclined towards. In fact, year after year, dozens of medical students voluntarily give up most of their already-limited free time to take part in outreach and educational activities organised under the auspices of the Malta Medical Students Association (MMSA).
This academic year, several activities have just been held. On World Diabetes Day, the students teamed up at City Gate in Valletta, inviting passers-by to take a glucose test, and to check blood pressure levels and Body Mass Index, and at the same time, informing them about the importance of undergoing regular medical check-ups. More recently, Anti-Smoking Talks were delivered to sixth form students, with the aim of informing young smokers of the health risks, and possibly dissuading potential new smokers from taking up the habit.
In a few days time, another team of medical students will be organising World Aids Week, aimed at raising awareness about sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, as well as giving out information about sexual health in general.
Francesca Theuma, third year medical student and MMSA National Officer on Reproductive Health Including Aids, believes that an inherent part of the medical profession involves imparting health information to the public.
"As future healthcare professionals, we feel it our responsibility to raise awareness on various health issues. Through our activities, our objective is also to help people break away from the taboo that still surrounds certain subjects.
"When it comes to sexual health, while the younger people are likely to be less inhibited, many people are still not comfortable discussing their concerns with a doctor. As a result, there are also many misconceptions which can only add to the harm. For example, people think that HIV is a problem only in Africa and South America. However, Malta is not immune, and in fact, we do have cases of HIV locally."
"We believe that prevention is better than cure. This is especially because many of the sexually transmitted diseases and infections do not carry symptoms. Therefore by the time a person realises about an infertility problem, it can be too late."
Alison Psaila, first year medical student and an active MMSA member, believes that the activities which will take place from Monday to Sunday, that will also mark World Aids Day on December 1, will also help make people aware of specific problems, such as the risk of having more than one sexual partner, sexually transmitted infections, and of course, HIV.
Ms Theuma said that although MMSA is doing its best, there is only so much the MMSA can do.
"There is certainly a need for a national campaign to raise awareness on sexual health. The number of STI cases is increasing, and although it is not happening at an alarming rate, it is still a significant rate."
Ms Psaila explained that the World Aids Week starts of with a Candle Vigil on Monday, which starts from Independence Gardens, Sliema, at 7 p.m., and ends in Paceville. The vigil represents an international symbolic memorial to remember all those who fell victims to HIV.
On Wednesday, university students are invited to take part in Piazza Café on the university Quadrangle, during which, information about safe sex and STIs will be given.
"Throughout the week, our team of students will also be available in various localities to take part in an outreach programme. We will be available to give out information about sexual health and prevention, including information about the GU clinic," Ms Psaila explained.
The week will conclude on Sunday with Unplugged and Exposed, a performance of music and drama, which includes the famous monologues - during which various topics are discussed through a witty and informative way. The Unplugged and Exposed concert will be held at the KSU common room at University at 7 p.m.