Project Description
On the occasion of Rare Disease Day, Malta held its first National Conference on Rare Diseases, entitled “Empowering Lives: Rare Diseases in the Evolving Maltese Society”. The conference was held under the esteemed Patronage of the President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, on Friday 28 February from 09:00 to 16:00 at the Verdala Palace, and streamed online.
This seminar was organized as a collaboration between the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support – Malta, and the University of Malta. It also included the 10th Annual Scientific Colloquium on research in Rare Diseases in the afternoon.
Michelle Muscat, President of The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support – Malta, addressed the national conference and revealed that approximately 30,000 people in Malta are affected by rare diseases.
Ms. Muscat emphasized that the Alliance’s goal is to establish a clear national plan ensuring that every patient—regardless of how rare their condition may be—has access to essential care, medicines, accommodation, and social support, which she defined as a basic right, not a privilege.
She explained that coordinated strategies are key in providing structured support systems that meet the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Ms. Muscat highlighted the importance of early identification, stressing that timely treatment can significantly change the lives of patients. In this context, she called for a holistic approach, treating patients as individuals rather than focusing solely on their diagnosis. She concluded by advocating for increased access to care abroad when it is unavailable locally.
