Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Dr Ian Borg launched the international THINK AORTA campaign in Malta during an event organised by the Maltese Emergency Nurses’ Association.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about aortic disease, a serious condition that affects the largest artery in the body and which remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide – unfortunately because it is often identified too late. While Malta joined this initiative today, this campaign is also being run in several countries with the aim of increasing awareness about this condition and thus saving lives.
The campaign is supported by the Association of Surgeons of Malta, the Association of Emergency Physicians of Malta and the Maltese Cardiac Society.
In his address, Dr Borg praised the collaboration between health professionals involved in this initiative and emphasized the importance of prevention and early identification, not only when it comes to aortic disease but in other conditions as well.
“Today’s campaign reminds us of a simple but important message: awareness saves lives. Many serious conditions develop without obvious symptoms, so prevention and early identification remain among the most powerful tools we have,” said Dr Borg.
The Deputy Prime Minister also referred to the national screening programmes as a concrete example of the Government’s continuous investment in prevention and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle, while thanking all those who are part of the health sector.
“I would like to thank all health professionals for their commitment and dedication, particularly when leading awareness campaigns such as this one. I also appeal to the public to accept invitations for screening, because prevention and early identification can make a life-saving difference,” said Dr Borg.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by reiterating the Government’s commitment to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen prevention and raise more awareness about serious conditions, with the aim of continuing to improve health outcomes and save more lives.
The event was also addressed by a representative of the international THINK AORTA campaign and local health professionals, who provided an insight into the origins of the campaign, progress in research on aortic disease and the need to continue to increase awareness about this condition.
Photos (ODPM)
