Ray Busutill has been elected vice-chairman of the World Health Organisation's Europe Regional Standing Committee.
Dr Busuttil, who is public health director, will be taking office next year. In 2014, he will become the executive president of that committee.
Speaking at a news conference following the 62nd WHO regional committee meeting, Health Minister Joe Cassar this will give Malta a very strong voice at the highest level.
Dr Cassar said that Malta had always been active in public health and the strategy documents issued by the Maltese government over the past three years - on cancer, obesity and non-communicable diseases, shared a pro-active, prevention approach in addressing issues.
WHO regional director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab said that WHO's main “Health 2020” initiative aimed to improve life expectancy by reducing inequalities, focusing on prevention and tackling the social problems which affected health using a government and society approach.
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