Health misinformation attacks trust in the health system and serves as a threat to public and individual health, stated Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela during a meeting with European Health Ministers.

Among the topics discussed during the meeting were the promotion and protection of mental health in the digital age, critical medicines, a review of the pharmaceutical package, the challenges of misinformation, and measures to reduce tobacco use and alcohol consumption.

On the matter of misinformation, Minister Abela said that Malta agrees with France's position to increase EU efforts against false health information. He continued that Malta recognises that while disinformation is quite widespread, "misrepresentation and misinterpretation of evidence are even more powerful". He added that further research into social media algorithms and the AI component could lead to a force for good, and that Malta believes that investing in digital health literacy is key to addressing the challenges of misinformation.

When speaking about the Critical Medicines Act, Abela said that this can serve as an important tool to improve the security of the supply of medicines. He continued that it should be clear that medicines should be delivered to all member states where they are needed to serve every citizen and leave no one behind. He commented that in this regard, the EU needs to support the entire supply chain and intervene when market forces do not guarantee sufficient supplies in small or vulnerable member states. He also spoke of the importance of supporting the sustainable production of medicines and their active ingredients in the EU.

The Health Minister said that Malta is in favour of the introduction of joint purchasing, which the ministry stated could be an important tool to improve access to certain specific medicines in some member states. "The proposed framework is limited, but it is important that we start from somewhere, to gain experience for our future plans. It is important that no patient is left out, and we should have a framework that provides for everyone," Abela commented.

On the matter of mental health care, Abela said that mental health is a key national priority in Malta. He said that the government is determined to educate and strengthen mental health literacy and resilience among children and young people.

Abela also spoke about obesity, as he said that Malta will soon launch a framework for the prevention of non-communicable diseases, a strategy on healthy exercise and physical activity, as well as new protocols to deal with cases of obesity with other associated conditions.

Minister Abela said Malta is ready to support strong and united EU action regarding tobacco and alcohol.