PL MEP Miriam Dalli is among the winners of this year's edition of the MEP Awards, after winning the MEP of the Year award in Public Health, a PL statement read.

The award acknowledges the work done in the effective promotion and solutions for implementation for issues related to Public Health in the European Union.

MEP Dalli was given this honour after being recognised by influential publication 'The Parliament Magazine' as a very active figure within the health care sector since being elected in the European Parliament.

In her reaction to this award, Dr Dalli said that "any recognition offers great satisfaction yet this is just a point of departure. It's a moment where you look back towards the work done but also where you look forward, determined to work harder towards a better quality of life for our citizens."

Dr Dalli worked towards greater efforts to address breast cancer in the EU. As coordinator for the Socialists & Democrats, she also promoted the need for innovative therapies for childhood cancer.

The Labour MEP, both within the European and local sphere, was also acknowledged as a main figure in her work to create greater awareness on autism, in particular with the need for greater access to education for autistic students.

Dr Dalli is also heavily involved in the sector of Mental Health, including the effects of bullying and cyber bullying. She's the chair for the European Coalition for Mental Health, and ambassador for Richmond Foundation.

In this year's edition, Dr Dalli also placed among three MEPs shortlisted for MEP of the Year in the Environmental sector.