Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne has been elected to join the board of the One Health Global Leaders Group, an international body which advises international health organisations such as the World Health Organisation, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN.

In a statement published on Friday, the Health Ministry said the group will be focusing efforts on how countries can protect their population from antimicrobial resistance, which, left unchecked, could lead to the spread of disease that is resistant to existing treatment.

The group is made up of 26 prime ministers, ministers and health professionals.

Speaking of the appointment, Minister Fearne said he felt honoured that Malta will have a voice within such a prestigious group that seeks to address health challenges of the world’s population, while also influencing global healthcare politics.

He thanked the international science community for the trust placed in him.