Active healthy kids Malta report card 2026 : benchmarking youth physical activity and environments - summary

Abstract

This document summarises the full Active Healthy Kids Malta Report Card 2026 and presents key findings on physical activity among Maltese children and adolescents using the standardised Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) framework. Developed as part of the Global Matrix 5.0 initiative, this evidence-informed resource brings together empirical data from national reports, peer-reviewed studies, and European surveillance programmes to inform targeted policy interventions and highlight critical surveillance gaps. Where feasible, data are stratified by gender, socioeconomic status, and disability to capture key equity disparities across the population.

The assessment evaluates ten core indicators across individual behaviours, health outcomes, and environmental influences. Reflecting a landmark advancement in equity-focused surveillance, Global Matrix 5.0 integrates data for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) across all indicators for the first time. Each indicator is evaluated using the standardised AHKGA grading scale, which ranges from A+ (94–100% meeting the benchmark) to F (fewer than 20%), and by age bracket. Where national evidence is insufficient or absent, indicators are designated as Incomplete (INC).

The full report is available at https://www.activehealthykids.org/ and provides more detailed information regarding indicators, definitions, benchmarks, grades, rationale, and underlying data sources.