Maltese wins European award for fight against diabetes

A man whose son was diagnosed with diabetes has just been awarded this year’s European Citizens prize for his outstanding contribution to the fight against the disease.

Chris Delicata, president and regional chair of the International Diabetes Federation Europe Region, has dedicated an overwhelming amount of time fighting diabetes by actively contributing to Maltese and European projects.

He helps raise awareness of the disease and aims to enhance the quality of lives of people who live with diabetes.

Mr Delicata, who is senior manager at Gasan Mamo Insurance Ltd, first learnt about diabetes when his eldest son Jack was diagnosed with type 1 abetes 12 years ago.

“I did not want diabetes to take over my life… I wanted to do something tangible. I felt that if I wanted something to be done, then I must offer my contribution... I feel proud I have managed to turn one of the worst episodes in my life to a positive one for me and my family,” Mr Delicata said.

The award ceremony at Valletta’s Europe House was presided over by MEP Simon Busuttil who paid tribute to the struggle of diabetes and called for greater government involvement to help combat this disease.

Dr Busuttil reiterated that this award reflected the hard work, integration and achievements of the Maltese people since joining the EU in 2004.

“This award recognises the notable contribution of Chris Delicata in the fight against diabetes at the EU level. His work has helped bring Europeans together to work harder and more effectively against diabetes. In this way he has shown himself to be a true, exemplary European citizen,” he added.