Migrant health in Malta : health diplomacy through a multisectoral approach for the control of communicable diseases

Abstract

Because of its position on the main migration routes from Africa to Europe, Malta has received a large number of refugees and migrants seeking asylum. This situation, coupled with the fact that Malta is the smallest island state in Europe, with an extremely high population density and a small geographical footprint, means that it bears a burden significantly disproportionate to its size. Malta has risen to the challenge, which has affected many sectors. The health authorities have worked with other sectors, following the principles of health diplomacy, to enable public health, international affairs, management, law and economics to come together to shape and manage policy and action. These actions are founded on years of experience working across different sectors.