Dr Valeska Padovese

Dr Padovese is a clinician and researcher who leads the Genitourinary Clinic in Malta. Her work focuses on sexual health, dermatology, and improving health outcomes for migrants and other underserved populations.

She has contributed to a range of European initiatives addressing sexual health needs in vulnerable communities and has collaborated with WHO on the implementation and evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Her interests include the intersection of migration, sexual health, HIV, and health equity, with a particular focus on improving access to quality health services.

She serves as Special Advisor to the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) on migrant health, STIs, and HIV, and has supported WHO capacity-building activities on health and migration. She also holds editorial roles with the British Journal of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections and has served in leadership positions within the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI).