This was announced in Cyprus during a different meeting entitled ‘Tenth High-level Meeting of the Small Countries Initiative: converging on small-country health priorities’.

The assembly that took place in Cyprus focussed on two main areas: cancer including population screening programmes and pediatric cancer, as well as health and climate change, including the impact and the experiences of small countries.

In his intervention, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela spoke about the prevention and treatment of cancer diseases.

He emphasised the importance of increasing awareness about cancer to further encourage more people to do more regular screenings for the disease for early indentification. 

Abela also touched upon the work being done to address the high rates of obesity in Malta.

Regarding the future of cancer treatment, he mentioned how our country is continuing to study the link between biogenetics and artificial intelligence so that it can lead to personalised treatment.

The minister also discussed the challenges faced by small countries in the acquisition of medicines. He said how these challenges continue to grow due to language problems, as well as geopolitical issues that affect prices and logistics.

He reiterated that Malta looks forward to more collaboration and solidarity in this field.

The WHO agreed with Abela on this point and also mentioned that the acquisition of equipment and technology should also be given priority.

Meanwhile, Abela stated that Malta’s governmental entities have an action plan for climate change and reiterated that the state is committed to continue taking the necessary against this global phenomenon.

What do you make of this?