A new research project has been launched with the aim of combating diabetes-related issues, diabetic foot ulcers, and cholesterol in Malta.
This was announced during a press conference by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti.
With an investment of €60,000, the INNO-Diab project will be entrusted to the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta, led by Prof. Joseph Borg and his team.
Given the alarming diabetes rate in the country, which affects 11% of adults—one of the highest rates in Europe—this project seeks to address the issue and improve people’s quality of life.
Through technological advancements and new biological testing methods, the project aims to accelerate healing and reduce amputations caused by diabetes and cholesterol-related complications.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the benefits of such a research initiative. “We must use research to tackle the challenges we face today and leverage technology to overcome them. We are aware of the diabetes problem in our country, which affects many Maltese and Gozitan families. Therefore, these funds are directed towards enhancing existing healthcare facilities and technologies,” said Azzopardi Tanti. He emphasized that the government is demonstrating a proactive approach, particularly in the healthcare sector, by providing economic support for research entrusted to the country’s top experts in the field.
“This investment is being made directly for the people, aiming to improve their quality of life, particularly in public health. We will continue to lead the way and become pioneers in the field through similar research projects,” concluded the Parliamentary Secretary.
Prof. Borg expressed his satisfaction that the government is investing in this research initiative. He emphasised that science has the power to change lives and that, through research at the University of Malta and collaborations with international colleagues and entities, significant progress is being made in developing new knowledge about diabetes and related conditions.
“Our studies go beyond traditional laboratories, as we demonstrated through the Maleth Project, where our experiments on wounds and foot injuries, as well as genetics, are providing new hope for better diagnosis and innovative treatments,” he said.
