Education for prevention of illness is the cornerstone of a new strategy for the reduction of non-communicable diseases launched today by Health Minister Joseph Cassar.

The minister said non-communicable diseases accounted for 82 per cent of total deaths every year, of which the biggest proportion were heart diseases.

Other non-communicable diseases include cancer, high blood pressure and mental health issues.

Dr Cassar said the authorities would try to impress on as many people as possible the importance of healthy eating - with less salt and red meat and more veg and fish - as well as the importance of exercise. Obesity, he pointed out, was a key factor in poor health.

The minister said that Malta was aiming to bring about a reduction in heart disease of 20 per cent by 2020, a target which was achievable if people change their eating and lifestyle habits. A 17 per cent reduction was achieved between 1995 and 2005.

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