Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana received a courtesy call from USA Ambassador to the Republic of Malta, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley.

During this Courtesy meeting, Justyne Caruana talked about the Government’s mission to Focus on Community Services for both the Elderly sector as well as the Disability sector. She pointed out that the Government is opting for new, innovative and creative ways to introduce more Backup Services. “In fact, we are holding regular discussions to introduce new services the Government and improve existing ones.”

With regards to the Elderly Sector, Justyne Caruana stated that Malta is facing an ever increasing number of Dementia cases. “By 2030, there will be millions of people around the world suffering from Dementia and that is why as a proactive government we are currently working on a Dementia Strategy,” the Parliamentary Secretary added.

Her Excellency and Dr Caruana discussed about the National Policy for the Disability sector and the Parliamentary Secretary said that the next stage is to launch a Strategy. She said that the Government is working to convert Kummisjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Dizabilità to the entity implementing the strategy rather than a service provider.

Justyne Caruana then pointed out that currently there are ongoing consultations on the Draft Standards for Residences for Persons with Disability and for Residences for Care homes for Older People. Justyne Caruana also informed the Ambassador about the Strategy on Active Ageing, launched by the Government last November and about the progress on its implimentation.

She also mentioned the A+ project held between the Parliamentary Secretariat for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Culture and Local Government and about the prospects about having similar projects with other Ministries and entities to enhance government’s endeavours towards full accessibility.

Dr Caruana mention next year’s Special Olympics being held in Los Angeles, USA. She provided a brief about the achievements the Maltese athletes have acquired.

Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley complimented the Parliamentary Secretary for government’s commitment to the sector and was looking forward for another meeting with Justyne Caruana in the near future.

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