Public Health in Malta: 1999-2019 is a special publication that was conceived and produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary since the setting up of the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine. It is freely available as an ebook, audio book and PDF.
The special collection of articles is edited by Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Dr Daniel Cauchi and Dr Tanya Mellilo-Fenech. Several members of the Faculties of Medicine & Surgery and Health Sciences have contributed to the articles alongside public health specialists working in various health functions. Articles tackle the demographic transition and its impact on health services, communicable diseases, tobacco, nutrition and the development of health services amongst other topics.
The publication was launched during a celebration evening held on Friday 10 May during which Prof Walter Ricciardi, past President of the European Public Health Association and President Elect of the World Federation of Public Health Associations delivered a passionate keynote lecture about the need for public health professionals to become more active in safeguarding and promoting health and well-being of European citizens and the European social welfare system of universal health coverage in the face of threats from anti-scientific and populist movements.
The editors invited contributors '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.'
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.
The publication indeed shines a light on the successes, failures and ongoing challenges for health in Malta and should inspire fellow academics to come together and work towards addressing the outstanding and emerging health challenges whilst retaining all that has worked well in order to ensure that all persons in Malta regardless of age, gender and socio-economic status are in a position to enjoy good health and wellbeing throughout their life.