The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) has submitted the following feedback to the European Commission about the National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030:
The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation for the National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030. The MSA proposes the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), as part of this strategy, that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.
