OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/492072024-03-29T13:32:45Z2024-03-29T13:32:45ZPublic Health in Malta : 1999 - 2019https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/494492019-12-08T06:12:06Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Public Health in Malta : 1999 - 2019
Editors: Azzopardi Muscat, Natasha; Melillo, Tanya; Cauchi, Daniel
Abstract: As we celebrate 20 years of MAPHM, we have asked some of our members, all experts in their respective fields, to reflect upon the main public health issues facing Malta and the added value of a vibrant public health community that has shaped the development of health and health systems in Malta during this period. We were overwhelmed by the positive response and interest that our proposed special issue elicited. The result is an overview of public health in Malta encompassing simultaneously a unique collection of historical processes and events made available in the public domain for the first time, together with the evidence-base needed to address the key challenges foreseen in the coming years.2019-01-01T00:00:00ZThe development of post-graduate education and training in public health medicine in the Maltese health systemVincenti, KarenBorg, AnnaliseAttard, Jasonhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/494482019-12-08T06:12:31Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: The development of post-graduate education and training in public health medicine in the Maltese health system
Authors: Vincenti, Karen; Borg, Annalise; Attard, Jason
Abstract: The groundwork for post-graduate medical training in Malta began prior to Malta’s accession to the European Union (EU) in May 2004. Public Health Medicine was the first medical speciality in Malta to have a structured post-graduate training programme in place. The first Public Health Training Committee was set up in 2003 to formulate, monitor and review the training framework and curriculum and ensure the institution of quality assured specialist training in Public Health Medicine in Malta. The first formal training programme was established in 2004 and in 2007 the first cohort of trainees was recruited. Training in public health medicine in Malta was recognised by the EU in 2008. By end 2018, 21 trainees had enrolled onto the programme; of these, 13 (62%) successfully completed training while 8 doctors (38%) were still in training. The curriculum underwent several evaluations, reviews and revisions and has progressed into a sought-after, well-organised, dynamic, and stillevolving training programme. The road ahead is an exciting one, envisioning an e-portfolio, a focus on trainer development and support, the development of special areas of interest and opportunities for training abroad. Succession planning is crucial for the preservation of a wealth of hard-earned invaluable experience, knowledge and expertise in the speciality.2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTobacco legislation in Malta : a short overviewBaluci, Christinehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/494472019-12-08T06:12:02Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Tobacco legislation in Malta : a short overview
Authors: Baluci, Christine
Abstract: The aim of this article is to briefly describe legislation dealing with tobacco control in Malta. Although no actual strategy on tobacco control is in place to date, Malta’s tobacco control approach is mainly based on comprehensive legislation arising mostly from of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Malta’s ratification of this international WHO treaty was instrumental in the passing of such legislation of which the most important features are banning of all tobacco advertising and sponsorship, and the prohibition of smoking in public and work places. EU Regulations, most importantly Directive 2014/40/EU on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC, was also contributory to the introduction of stronger packaging regulations and new regulatory frameworks for the control of electronic cigarettes and new and emerging tobacco products under the classification of novel tobacco products. While increases in excise tax is generally regarded as an effective tobacco control measure, tobacco control legislation also plays an important role in a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. Bans on tobacco advertising, bans on smoking in public and work places and pictorial health warnings on packaging denormalise smoking and are likely to make other tobacco control interventions more effective.2019-01-01T00:00:00ZInfectious diseases in MaltaBorg, Maria-LouisaMaistre Melillo, JackieMicallef, CristinaPace Asciak, Analitahttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/493922019-12-08T06:11:57Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Infectious diseases in Malta
Authors: Borg, Maria-Louisa; Maistre Melillo, Jackie; Micallef, Cristina; Pace Asciak, Analita
Abstract: Monitoring the disease status of a nation has long been considered of great importance in helping to decrease the spread of disease to the population. In recent years it can be said that there are no borders as regards Infectious Diseases with the increase in global travel and mass migration of people, with large numbers of people considered as displaced. This has lead to the introduction of new diseases in countries that previously had no experience of them as well as the re emergence of diseases that had been considered controlled. During the past 5 years Malta and the rest of Europe has seen an increase in various infectious diseases such as TB, HIV, other STIs, vector borne diseases as well as outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases notably measles. Collaboration and cooperation between European countries is essential to control and manage these events. Robust surveillance data is critical to monitor and inform the public health response in an accurate and timely fashion.2019-01-01T00:00:00Z