Dementia proposal tabled by Maltese government approved by WHO

Parliamentary secretary for the rights of disabled people and active aging Justyne Caruana, in the name of the Maltese government, and together with another 37 countries, tabled a proposal which calls for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to take immediate action regarding dementia.

The proposal was approved as it paves the way to draft a global plan of action when it comes to dementia.

The draft global action plan on public health response to dementia will be compiled by the member states and other relevant stakeholders to be considered during next year's general assembly.

Caruana said that this decision “shows clearly that the WHO recognises the importance of this proposal in taking action against this condition which is affecting more and more people.”

“We appreciate the fact that WHO has understood the urgency of the matter. More attention needs to be given to dementia and the efforts of indivdual countries, such as Malta, in their plight to create awareness and to take action in this regard. Malta, among other countries, has already adopted a national strategy for dementia.”

The executive board noted that the response to dementia can be greatly enhanced through a shared commitment among member states and all other stakeholders to put in place the necessary policies and resources regarding all aspects of dementia. These include the care of people affected by the condition, the promotion of research, the identification of effective treatments or a cure and the adequate priority tobe given to action against dementia in national and global political agendas.