The William Hardy Shield for infant welfare rediscovered

Abstract

In 2008, a large commemorative silver-mounted shield was handed over to the Department of Paediatrics by the heirs of a previous Malta Chief Government Medical Officer. Subsequent investigations confirmed that this was the prestigious William Hardy Challenge Shield that had been commissioned by the National Baby Welfare Council (UK) and subsequently awarded every year from 1925. This shield was presented to the Malta Mothers and Infants Association in 1947 in appreciation for Malta’s sterling work in infant support and record keeping during the period of hostilities during the Second World War, 1939-1944. This paper explores the philosophy behind this award, the history since its arrival in Malta and reviews changes in healthcare and, specifically, infant mortality rates that justified the shield’s award to Malta during an extremely difficult period in the country’s history.