On 24th May Paul Jackson, John Greenwood and Dave Thomas had the pleasure of presenting a cheque of €15,000 to the Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation towards an initiative within their communities that will raise awareness and hopefully prevent some cancers and highlight the prevention measures. This will be through communicating with community groups, schools, the church and social media platforms across Malta.
The Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation Malta (ECRFM) is a non-profit making organisation set up between the Malta Trust Foundation, the Fondazione Terzo Pilastro Internazionale and the University of Malta. The Foundation facilitates excellence in cancer research and collaboration among scientific, clinical and psychosocial disciplines. It provides information and education about cancer to the public and its representatives.
The ECRFM are planning to reach out to communities in Malta and Gozo to promote heathier lifestyles and build social capital, in order to strengthen communities in the prevention of cancer.
They met Deputy Dean, Prof Stephen Montefort, Prof. Christian Scerri, and Dr David Saliba Principal Investigator who gave them a tour of the University medical laboratories.
They explained that research from the World Health Organisation disclosed that 30-50% of all cancers are preventable and that prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer. They expressed how important it was to promote cancer prevention and related behaviour change, as well as to create resilient communities and supportive environments.
Prof Stephen Montefort also spoke in detail about the main objectives for the project which are:
- To increase understanding of cancer and cancer-related needs and prevention
- To promote healthier lifestyles
- To improve the lives of all the people in the Community
Dr David Saliba explained that the core funds of the Foundation are going towards developing Immune system techniques for people with all different types of cancer and the importance of prevention, both by addressing the social determinants of health and by encouraging the uptake of healthier behaviours.
Below is a photograph of the Malta Board, HSF staff and her Excellency being presented with cheques for The Malta Trust Foundation and the Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation.
Ana Vega
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