Active healthy kids Malta report card 2026 : assessing the evidence on youth physical activity and environments

Abstract

Introduction: The Active Healthy Kids Malta Report Card 2026: Assessing the Evidence on Youth Physical Activity and Environments provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of physical activity among children and adolescents in Malta. As an evidence-informed resource, this report tracks trends and identifies institutional strengths and critical surveillance gaps. In doing so, it supports the formulation of evidence-based policies and targeted interventions designed to promote lifelong active living. It combines empirical data from national reports, peer-reviewed literature, and international European surveillance initiatives to evaluate ten core indicators of physical activity and its determinants, applying the standardised framework established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) to Maltese children and adolescents for the first time. As part of the AHKGA Global Matrix 5.0 initiative, encompassing 67 countries across six continents, this assessment evaluates six individual behaviours and health outcome indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organised Sport and Physical Activity, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Fitness) alongside four environmental and contextual sources of influence (Family and Peers, School, Community and Environment, and Government and Policy). Crucially, data for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) was included for the first time by the AHKGA in Global Matrix 5.0, reflecting a major advancement in equity focused surveillance for this edition.

Guided by the foundational management principle that "what gets measured gets managed" (Drucker, 1954), this Report Card delivers a systematic evaluation of movement behaviours. By generating a robust evidence base, the initiative aims to drive targeted public health strategies, mitigate health inequalities, and foster supportive movement environments. Furthermore, it highlights gaps in national surveillance systems and offers actionable recommendations to optimise future data collection. Consequently, this report serves as a vital strategic tool for a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including policymakers, local councils, educators, sports coaches, health promotion practitioners, and parents.

Within this report, each indicator is structured around four key analytical dimensions:

Definition: The operational description and scope of the specific movement behaviour, health outcome, or environmental influence being evaluated.

Benchmark: The standardised evaluation criteria established by the AHKGA.

Grade, Rationale, and Data Sources: The assigned performance grade derived from nationally representative data of children and adolescents aged 5–17 years, disaggregated by age where available, supported by a critical synthesis of empirical evidence, national policy documents, and surveillance studies.

Inequalities: A synthesis of documented disparities across socioeconomic status, gender and disability.