Malta Reaffirms Commitment To Advancing NCD Prevention And Raising Mental Health Awareness

In New York, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a High-Level Meeting was held on the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the promotion of mental health, and healthy living. The meeting was chaired by Malta’s Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela.

On the issue of NCD prevention, Malta endorsed the European Union’s declaration on behalf of its Member States, confirming the commitment to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030.

In his intervention, Minister Abela stressed that NCDs remain among the leading causes of death and disability. He highlighted the recent launch in Malta of the National Strategy 2025–2030 on NCD prevention, which focuses on strengthening monitoring and research, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, and preparing healthcare professionals for emerging challenges.

Minister Abela underlined that, in line with the EU Declaration, Malta is advancing robust measures, including raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco and alcohol, creating accessible spaces for physical activity, and promoting healthier living. “We are prioritising healthy lifestyles by creating safe and accessible spaces for physical activity,” he affirmed.

He also emphasised the importance of real-time monitoring and data collection to enable more effective interventions.

Minister Abela noted, “We cannot ignore the growing impact of social media on the mental health of our children and adolescents. Our efforts must address both the risks and the opportunities within the digital environment. We need to unite in implementing preventive measures, supporting those affected, and fostering environments that promote healthy choices.”

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