The WHO European framework for action to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities 2022-2030.

There are approximately 135 million persons with disabilities in the WHO European Region. In order to address health inequities experienced by this population, Member States and WHO/Europe developed the 'WHO European framework for action to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities 2022-2030', in close cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities. The Framework, with its accompanying Resolution, was adopted by all 53 Member States in September 2022. The Framework is aligned with the core priorities of the WHO European Programme of Work 2020-2025, that is, achieving universal health coverage, protecting against health emergencies, and promoting health and well-being. It consists of four objectives, 13 targets, and 20 indicators that act as measures of progress and success, and as drivers for policy action and a roadmap for Member States towards a disability-inclusive health sector. The Framework is expected to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of all in the Region, and especially persons with disabilities, as it will advance inclusive health systems across the Region. Inclusive health sectors will aid towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the protection of the human rights of persons with disabilities, and the promotion of their health.

Participatory approaches to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals: Malta: leaving no one behind: participatory development of policy on health services for transgender people

In 2018, Malta took concrete steps in the development of health services for transgender people. A high level of political commitment, the strong leadership of the Minister of Health and the adoption of a human rights-based, gender-responsive approach were important factors in the design and planning of these services, which led to the opening of the Gender Wellbeing Clinic in November 2018. The Clinic provides gender-affirmative health care services, tailored to the needs of the users by a multidisciplinary team, including an array of psychosocial and medical professionals. Malta’s health services policy for transgender people addresses Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

Clinicians', policy makers' and patients' views of pediatric cross-border care between Malta and the UK.

OBJECTIVE: The Malta-UK cross-border health care collaboration gives Maltese patients access to highly specialized care that is not available locally. Our aim was to identify the issues that arise in cross-border specialized care for rare childhood diseases. METHODS: We conducted 31 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with policy makers, consultant pediatricians from Mater Dei Hospital in Malta, the Royal Marsden Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital in England and the parents of a random sample of children referred for treatment abroad in 2011. We conducted qualitative thematic analysis of the data. RESULTS: Respondents viewed the collaboration as successful in providing timely access to high quality specialist care. Four factors facilitated implementation: long established personal relationships; communication and data sharing; shared care approach; and well established support systems. The key challenges are logistical, financial, communication and cultural and psychological. CONCLUSION: Cross-border care pathways can successfully support access to high quality specialized care that is acceptable to health professionals and patients.