Malta represented by Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP) is participating in the Joint Action Health4EUKids project. The overall goal of this project is to implement two best practices Grunau Moves established in Germany and Smart Family established in Finland in different member states. The implementation process will include the knowledge transfer between best practice owners (Smart Family and Grunau Moves) and partner organisations from the Member States through the implementation of actions, the cooperation and exchange of knowledge between member states, the organisation of meetings, and related technical support. Malta is implementing Grunau Moves.
The scope of the project will be to promote to participating member states healthy lifestyles in families with children to prevent childhood obesity, to increase physical activity and healthy diet in children, families and communities with a focus on social norms, recognition and self-esteem. Also, to study the different prerequisites for member states to implement either Grunau Moves or Smart Family. Finally, to prepare the sustainability of these best practices and transfer to other member states based on the acquired knowledge and experience. The expected results focus on the identification of concrete challenges in the prevention of non-communicable diseases and policy solutions in the form of best practices and innovative solutions for collective action between the Member States and the Commission, to tackle the main public health challenges.
Grunau Moves targets children (4-12) and their environmental and living conditions and related actors, for the reduction of health inequalities. It aims at creating health promoting settings, environments to promote physical activity and healthy diet in children and families. Both best practices are community-based health promotion and obesity prevention programmes for children and adolescents.
The main objectives are:
• Creating health promoting settings (childcare, schools) via increasing awareness, knowledge and skills, professional self-esteem, cooperation between local actors
• Creating environments to promote physical activity and health via advocacy and persuasion of policy makers – changes in street design, youth welfare planning
• Increasing physical activity and healthy diet in children and families with a focus on social norms, recognition and self-esteem.
Website
https://www.dypede.gr/health4eukids/
A focus group was carried out with different stakeholders representing different entities present in Hamrun. The Healthy Living tool was used to assess the current situation and what can be improved to lessen the obesity problem among children aged 4-12 years residing in Hamrun.
Excited to share the success of our recent health promotion outreach event in collaboration with the Immakulata Kuncizzjoni Bandclub as part of the Health4EUKidsproject!
This vibrant family fest in Ħamrun brought together people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
We enjoyed great music and meaningful conversations about health and well-being with community members from all walks of life.
Thank you to everyone who made this event so special!
#CommunityHealth #DiversityAndInclusion #HealthPromotion #FamilyFest #TogetherWeThrive#Health4EUKids#ImmakultaKuncizzjonibandclub
Health Programme for children attending St George Preca College Primary School Summer school Hamrun!
The Health Promotion staff have organised a fantastic 3-hour weekly health programme throughout the duration of Summer School as part of the Health4EUkids project, in which Malta is proudly participating to combat childhood obesity.
Every week, students aged 7-10 attending St George Preca College Primary School engaged in a series of fun and educational activities including:
Physical Activity: Kids enjoyed energetic exercises and games on the school grounds, promoting fitness and teamwork.
Nutrition Lessons: Our young participants learnt about the different food groups and participated in hands-on activities to understand healthy eating habits.
Mental Health & Well-being: Children explored various feelings and discovered effective ways to manage stress, fostering emotional resilience.
Let’s support our children in building a healthier future! Together, we can make a positive impact on their lives.
Foundation for Educational Services#Health4EUkids #HealthyLifestyle #ChildhoodObesity #GuzePacePrimary #SummerSchool #Malta #HPDP #HealthyKids #ActiveKids#EUproject#HaDEA
Press Release
Health for EUkids project presented to Malta’s Healthy Lifestyle Advisory Council
The Health for EUkids project, a three-year EU initiative addressing childhood obesity in low socio-economic communities, was presented to Malta’s Healthy Lifestyle
Advisory Council on 20th August 2025
The Advisory Council, established under the Healthy Lifestyle Promotion and Care of Non-Communicable Diseases Act (Act III of 2016), meets monthly to coordinate national action on healthier living. The legislation created an inter-ministerial approach to encourage physical activity and balanced diets across all ages, with the aim of reducing non-communicable diseases.
At the meeting, Ms Sharon Vella presented the steps implemented in the project and Council members, including Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health Professor Charmaine Gauci, discussed the outcomes of the project and gave feedback on strategies to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Project highlights
Over the past three years, Health for EUkids has delivered a wide range of community-based activities, including:
- Family education programmes on nutrition and physical activity, including hands-on cooking sessions.
- School-based summer initiatives to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles among primary school children.
- Supermarket nutrition campaigns where experts advised shoppers on choosing foods lower in fat, sugar, and salt.
Project researcher Ms Sharon Vella outlined these achievements and invited Council members to contribute ideas, partnerships, and policy support to extend the project’s positive impact beyond its original scope.
“The intensive work carried out through this project must be sustained, with dedicated funding to engage professionals who can build on these results,” said Professor Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent of Public Health. “With the right support, we can make a real difference. Our goal now is to ensure these results endure and benefit future generations.”
The Health for EUkids project aligns with Malta’s national strategy to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles, while supporting the EU’s broader commitment to reducing health inequalities.
