In August, a national screening programme for pregnant women was introduced, with plans to extend it to mothers during the first year postpartum, as well as to fathers and partner
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Dr Ian Borg visited the Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre, which houses Malta’s first community centre dedicated to perinatal mental health. The visit also highlighted the phased rollout of the National Perinatal Mental Health Screening Programme, which enhances early identification and access to care.
“It is gratifying to see how the collaboration between the Ċensu Moran Centre and mental health services is making care and assistance increasingly accessible. We must ensure that the various departments and entities within the national health service work together to provide support to all those who need it,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. The centre offers assessment, treatment, and specialised support to women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and in the first year following childbirth. These include anxiety, depression, birth-related trauma, and challenges in adjusting to life as parents.
Since the centre began providing services in February 2026, approximately 1,200 appointments have taken place, attended by mothers, fathers, and their babies. The facility includes consultation rooms and a sensory room for infants, designed for assessments and specialised interventions focused on the parent-child relationship.
“Although we are still in the early stages of this programme, we are already seeing encouraging participation in the screening process. I urge those who receive an invitation not to hesitate to accept it, and to take this important step towards looking after their mental health,” said Roseanne Camilleri, Chief Executive of Mental Health Services.
The team brings together professionals from the fields of psychiatry, midwifery, obstetrics, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work. Together, they provide coordinated care tailored to the needs of the individual and their family.
“Although pregnancy and childbirth can be wonderful times, they are also periods when the risk of mental health difficulties increases. These difficulties can be treated, and services are available to provide care and support. I therefore urge anyone going through such experiences to seek help,” said Professor Anton Grech, Clinical Chairman of Mental Health Services.
The national screening programme began its rollout in mid-August 2026. Currently, all pregnant women are receiving invitations to participate via digital questionnaires on the myHealth platform. Plans are in place to extend the programme to mothers during the first year postpartum, as well as to fathers and partners.
Between 18 August and 18 September, 940 invitations were issued, and 225 screenings were completed. Referrals are assessed for priority within 24 hours, with subsequent care arranged based on clinical need and urgency.
