Collaboration in the fields of geriatrics, dementia and pharmacy with Tunisia was discussed during a visit that the Minister for Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela made in the cities of Tunis and Monastir.
He met with the Tunisian Minister for Public Health, Dr. Ali Mrabet. During this visit the two ministers agreed that the Mediterranean characteristics of the two neighboring countries are ideal for working together. Minister Abela explained the framework for a collaboration plan on two themes – the pharmaceutical industry and the elderly.
The Maltese Medicines Authority (MMA) is ready to work with the newly established Tunisian National Medicines Agency. With the vast experience and the good reputation of the Maltese Authority both in the EU and in the United States, a collaboration between the two entities can lead to the opening of new markets on the African continent for Maltese and Tunisian companies working in the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, the Maltese Authority can help Tunisian students continue to specialize in the pharmaceutical field at Doctoral and Post-Doctoral level.
Minister Abela explained how the Ministry for Active Aging is taking innovative initiatives so that more young people seek a career in the field of protection and care for the elderly. This is already being carried out through the intergenerational programs. In addition, more opportunities have been opened for doctors to continue specializing in fields of geriatrics. The discussion did not fail to focus also on people with dementia. The Ministers agreed that the proportion of people in both countries who suffer from dementia is very similar.
Minister Abela stated that, as was also confirmed by the WHO, Malta is very advanced in the services it offers to people with dementia, including with a new directorate focused on this area which, among others, offers support 24 one hour a day, seven days a week, to people who suffer from this condition. The Ministers agreed that the work between the two countries should continue in various fields, including: collaboration in the field of the pharmaceutical industry; regulatory science in medicines; pharmaceutical and medical training and education; the creation of specializations in the field of geriatrics; as well as the partnership between the institutions of the two countries that specialize in the field of geriatrics.
Minister Abela invited Minister Ali Mrabet to visit Malta and see the facilities that Malta offers to the elderly, as well as seeing closely the work carried out by the Maltese Medicines Authority. With the aim of this plan starting to mature as soon as possible, Minister Abela had courtesy visits with the Governor of the Monastir Region Mr. Mondher Ben Sik Ali, the Dean and members of the Faculty of the Pharmacy of the University of Monastir and a pharmaceutical establishment of Unimed, which company will make use of the services of the MMA and intends to make a solid investment in Malta.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela was accompanied among others by the Ambassador of Malta to Tunisia Simon Pullicino, and by the Head of the Maltese Medicine Authority Prof. Anthony Serracino Inglot.
Photos: MFAA
