No such thing as ‘responsible cannabis use’, says Medical Association of Malta

Dec 21 2021

The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has condemned government officials and ministers for the promotion of ‘responsible cannabis use’, stating that there is not such thing and that such a drug only cause harm to individuals’ health.

The MAM stated that ministers should hold the younger generation’s health at heart and that cannabis solely produces a short-term, artificial high with long-term pains and serious consequences like mental illness.

Referencing 124 studies on cannabis’s effect on youth free from mental health issues, the MAM highlighted how the frequent use of cannabis THC, not CBD, results in a detrimental effect on individuals psychosis and psychosocial processes. The study being highlighted can be found here.

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Chris Fearne reveals almost four in every 100 COVID tests are positive; urges people to take booster jab

Dec 21 2021

During a recent airing of TVM News Plus’s Xtra, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Health Chris Fearne revealed that almost four in every 100 COVID-19 tests are turning out positive as Malta has a 3.5% positivity rate.

The European for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) had stated that last week, Malta’s positivity rate was 2.5%, with Health Ministry bulletins noting a considerable amount of new cases and increase in hospitalisations every day. However, Dr. Fearne stated that the positivity rate in Malta seems favourable in comparison to other European countries which have experienced a recent surge in infections.

He went on to highlight the importance of people taking the booster dose so that Malta can get through the current wave of infections, attributing Malta’s promising performance in summer and autumn to the high rate of vaccination. Fearne also stated that “it appears that the booster dose can boost immunity for as much as a year, which means that we won’t have to get inoculated every two months but probably once a year, as with influenza.”

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Thousands of Christmas presents donated for less-fortunate children

Dec 21 2021

Thousands of colourful parcels were set under the Christmas Tree at Castille Square for the initiative ‘Rigali b’Imħabba,’ which aims to provide presents to children who may not be having the most festive of holidays. The people of Malta came in waves to donate after welcoming Dr. Lydia Abela’s invitation.

Minister for Home Affairs Dr. Byron Camilleri highlighted and praised the fact that Malta’s disciplinary forces such as the police force, armed forces, LESA and more did not only contribute to the initiative by taking care of the present sorting, but they will distribute the parcels themselves to the homes of less fortunate children.

Dr. Lydia Abela looked back on a call from one of the children’s parents, stating that a parent called to tell her that the recipiency letter brought a tear to hear eyes. Abela stated that it is not she who should be thanked but the kind heart of the Maltese people as they were given with love and an aim to brighten others’ Christmas.

Send this to someone to let them know that they can make someone’s Christmas better.

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What we know about the EU’s fifth-approved Novavax vaccine

Dec 21 2021

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved its fifth COVID-19 vaccine for distribution, granting conditional marketing authorisation for the two-dose vaccine.

The Nuvaxovid vaccine, manufactured by United States pharmaceutical company ‘Novavax’ may be applied to willing individuals aged 18 and over after it is give the green light from the European Union’s executive commission. It will join the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Astrazeneca vaccines within the EU.

The European Union has since ordered 100 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, with plans to buy another 100 million units in the near future as Europe continues to struggle with the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Initial clinical trials carried out in the United States and Mexico found that the vaccine had 90.4% efficacy against COVID-19 cases while second trials in the UK showed 89.7% efficacy.

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