Social Inclusion during the Maltese EU Presidency
29.11.2016
Social Inclusion during the Maltese EU Presidency
“Although Malta placed first among EU countries in the number of elderly living without limitations
arising from health
problems only last week,
it remains cautious and
looks forward with courage in this sector”
“The Maltese Government is committed to share its positive experiences with other countries with regards to dementia, particularly during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union”, stated the Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana while addressing the European delegates in Bratislava a conference organised by the Slovak Presidency with the theme: ‘Alzheimer's disease - the epidemic of the third millennium. Are we ready to face it?’
Dr Justyne Caruana reminded that in the last three years, the Maltese Government formulated and started implementing a new national strategy on dementia in order to increase knowledge about this condition and help those affected and their families to have a dignified life. She also reminded that in the last couple of years Malta was active in international areas to promote research and collaboration between different nations on this condition which affects the elderly worldwide, as their lives are getting longer.
“Although only last week it placed first among EU countries in the number of elderly living without limitations arising from health problems, Malta remains cautious and looks forward with courage in this sector”, stated Dr Caruana, whilst explaining that the initiatives taken by her Parliamentary Secretariat in the provision of more beds and services, which are continually increasing, as well as more night shelters and respite for the carers. The Parliamentary Secretary stressed the importance of the professional training being given in Malta and Gozo to the carers of these persons. A particular project that created a lot of interest internationally was that of the dementia-friendly community which is being implemented with particular attention in San Lawrenz, Gozo.
Dr Justyne Caruana explained that the theme of the conference was also connected with the commitment of the Maltese Government during the six months of the upcoming Presidency, next year, which will strive in favour of social inclusion as a fundamental principle in all European fora and decisions.
Dr Caruana said that “all the member states should leave the conference in Bratislava better informed of the steps that have been undertaken all over the world in relation to dementia, and more keen
to further support the six million people affected by dementia throughout Europe”. Although the EU might have improved the life of hundreds of millions of citizens, there are millions of others who are still waiting for concrete action proving that the basis of the EU is indeed equality, equity and social justice, stated Dr Caruana.
The Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana concluded by appealing to all countries to transform the challenges offered by globalisation, an ever-ageing society and the fast-changing fields of work, economy and technologies to opportunities. "It is the duty of us all to respond to these challenges effectively so as to guarantee that no person with dementia suffers a lack of dignity or any unjust exclusion from the rest of society”, insisted Dr Justyne Caruana.
Participants in the conference also included delegates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), from the European Parliament, the national governments, academics and voluntary organisations from all over the world, including Alzheimer Europe.
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