WHO collaboration accord signed

Malta has signed the fifth biennial collaborative agreement with the World Health Organisation, closing another link in the long-standing chain between the two.

The priority areas for collaboration for the 2008-2013 period, negotiated between the local health authorities and the WHO, were based on public health and the improvement of the health system's performance, Health Minister Joe Cassar said. They include policy development for health promotion and disease prevention, strengthening the national environment, developing pharmaceutical policy and maternal and child health.

The WHO is contributing about €79,000 to the projects that fall under the agreement for 2010-2011.

Dr Cassar said the accord proposes key targets to be achieved by 2020 to tackle the growing public health burden imposed by non-communicable diseases.

The agreement was signed with WHO regional director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, who described the strategy as an example she wanted to see other countries follow.

Public health was given due attention in Malta but not in Europe, Dr Jakab said, asking for the island's assistance to make it a priority in other countries.

Malta had a healthcare system that functioned very well, with an efficient and effective hospital, she said, describing the island's collaboration with the WHO as "excellent and outstanding, thanks to its leadership".

Dr Jakab said Malta not only signed agreements but also delivered results, was serious about its commitments and implemented them.

The island will be hosting the WHO's 62nd regional committee in 2012 and Dr Jakab said it was not by chance that it was chosen but as a result of its achievements.

The Health Ministry has launched the publication Health Effects Of Climate Change In The Maltese Islands, supported by the 2008-2009 biennial collaborative agreement with the WHO regional office for Europe.

Among the publication's recommendations is the training of health professionals in climate-related diseases and engaging the public in mitigation and adaptation measures.

Dr Jakab said it was thanks to Malta that climate change had become a "sexy topic" and was so high on the agenda.