Malta has signed a cooperation agreement with the World Health Organisation, a Department of Information statement said.

The agreement was signed in Geneva by Health Minister Chris Fearne and Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO regional director.

The agreement, which covers five years until 2021, lists four strategic points to further cooperation: ensuring the strengthening of the health sector, the addressing of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and mental health, preparation and response to emergency situations and Malta’s role in global health.

The two sides also agreed on a biennial agreement through which WHO will be providing technical assistance to Malta.