Updates

In June 2024, the Maltese Ministry of Health and Active Ageing launched a Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention Framework (for the 2025–2035 period) for consultation. The Framework provides a roadmap for promotion of NCD prevention, acknowledging the significant burden that NCDs pose to morbidity, mortality and the economy in Malta. The Framework entails six enablers (1. Governance and accountability, 2. Data into action, 3. Addressing the determinants of health and health equities, 4. Re-orienting health systems for prevention, 5. Health literacy, 6. Emergency preparedness) and eight priority areas (1. Reduce tobacco use, 2. Reduce the use of alcohol, 3. Reduce overweight and obesity, 4. Improve access to a healthy diet, 5. Increase physical activity, and reduce physical inactivity and sedentary time, 6. Early diagnosis, 7. Promote mental health and well-being, 8. Promote environmental health).