“Housing, employment, infrastructure, climate, social activities, and travel all influence health. A healthy body is dependent on a healthy mind. Yes indeed it is, and vice versa. However the health of the body and the health of the mind are dependent on all the mentioned factors and many more. This is the main enlightenment of this decade,” Health Minister Joe Cassar said.

Addressing a Malta Student Science Forum, Dr Cassar said “this is what and how our efforts to address health problems are now being pinned to, this is how the modern world is addressing health challenges; the health of the body and the mind are an interdependent dyad, in the midst of a myriad of influencing factors. This is the cornerstone contention which we now build on, and the pivotal approach we that we now endorse.”

The cross government mental health strategy prevalent in the UK embraced this enlightenment. In addressing the mental health of the nation, UK government embarked on a strategy which directed the contribution of the health and social care sector but also the housing, the environment and the employment sector within government, he added.

“We, here as Government of Malta have followed on the same path in our work over the last few years. For example, the Healthy Weight (Obesity) Strategy launched by the Department of Health last year, drew upon, and in turn directs the contribution of all sectors within our government. This strategy appeals to authorities, entities, and services beyond the health sector. The Cancer Strategy echoes the same approach.

“We are set on this road and hence, this is my message to you today in opening this forum :  Let us see and address the health of man, as part of, and in the context of the wider world in which man lives. This is the way forward.”