Italy's community health infrastructure for gay and bisexual men (Checkpoints, Arcigay chapters, Malattie Infettive specialists) is concentrated in Milan, Bologna, and Rome. The further you are from these cities, the more you're navigating the general public system — which works, but requires more advocacy. Here's what's available in the major regional cities.

Turin (Torino)

For PEP: Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia Corso Svizzera 164, Turin — Turin's dedicated infectious diseases hospital. Go to Pronto Soccorso and request PPE (PEP). This is the right first stop for any HIV-related emergency in Turin.

For PrEP: Turin has authorised Malattie Infettive centres prescribing PrEP — use prepinfo.it for current centre list. Arcigay Torino (arcigaytorino.it) can navigate you to the most accessible current route.

Testing: Arcigay Torino runs or connects to testing services. Check their website for current testing events and referrals.

Florence (Firenze)

For PEP: Ospedale Santa Maria Nuova (Piazza Santa Maria Nuova 1) or AOU Careggi (Largo Brambilla 3) — both have Malattie Infettive units. Go to Pronto Soccorso.

For PrEP: Use prepinfo.it for Tuscany's authorised centres. The region has been reasonably active in expanding PrEP access.

Community: Centro LGBTI+ Firenze (Via Pisana 32r) — one of Italy's established LGBTQ+ community centres, with counselling and health navigation services. A good first contact.

Arcigay Firenze: arcigay.it/le-associazioni/ — find the Florence chapter.

Naples (Napoli)

For PEP: Ospedale Cotugno (Via Quagliariello 54) — a specifically infectious disease hospital and the primary choice for any HIV-related emergency in Naples. Experienced infectious disease team.

For PrEP: Campania has authorised PrEP centres — use prepinfo.it. Waiting lists can be longer than in northern cities; Arcigay Napoli may know of the fastest current route.

Testing: Arcigay Napoli and community groups provide testing access. Naples has an active gay community with established health navigation networks.

Context: Naples and the south generally have stronger Catholic social influence and greater social conservatism around LGBTQ+ identity. The community infrastructure exists but is smaller than in northern cities.

Palermo (Sicily)

For PEP: Ospedale Civico (Piazza Nicola Leotta 4, Palermo) — go to Pronto Soccorso and request PPE.

For PrEP: Sicily has PrEP-prescribing Malattie Infettive centres; prepinfo.it has current listings. Access can be more fragmented than on the mainland.

Community: Arcigay Palermo (arcigaypalermo.it) is the best first contact — they navigate what's available locally and can advise on the most accessible routes for testing and PrEP.

Note: Rural and small-town Sicily has very limited sexual health infrastructure for gay and bisexual men. If you're not near Palermo or Catania, plan testing trips to the nearest city.

Sardinia

For PEP: Ospedale SS. Trinità (Via Is Guadazzonis 2, Cagliari) — Cagliari's main hospital with infectious diseases. For PEP in Sardinia, Cagliari is the primary destination.

PrEP: Sardinia has authorised centres in Cagliari; prepinfo.it for current list.

Note: Sardinia's geography means that if you're in the north of the island (Olbia, Sassari area), travel time to Cagliari is significant. Know the nearest hospital (Sassari: AOU Sassari, Viale San Pietro) for emergencies.

The Practical Pattern Outside Major Centres

Wherever you are in Italy:

  1. Find your nearest Malattie Infettive unit via prepinfo.it — this is where PrEP is prescribed and PEP is handled
  2. For emergencies, go to the nearest Pronto Soccorso and say: "Ho bisogno della PPE — Profilassi Post-Esposizione per HIV"
  3. Find your Arcigay chapter at arcigay.it — they know local resources better than any national guide
  4. Use the national Checkpoints remotely: BLQ, Milano, and Roma Checkpoint staff can provide navigation advice by phone/email even if you're not in their city

Using prepinfo.it

This is the single most important resource for navigating PrEP and vaccine access outside the major cities. It's maintained by the community, updated regularly, and maps every authorised centre in Italy. Bookmark it.

Emergency Contacts

City Hospital Emergency
Milan Ospedale Sacco 02 3904 2651
Rome Spallanzani 06 5517 0400
Bologna Sant'Orsola 051 214 1111
Turin Amedeo di Savoia 011 4393 111
Florence AOU Careggi 055 7947 111
Naples Ospedale Cotugno 081 290 4111
Palermo Ospedale Civico 091 666 1111
General Emergency 112 / 118

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