Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547567
GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 DEPUTY EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS 329 babies born at Gozo General Hospital in 2025 THE number of babies born at Gozo General Hospital increased to 329 in 2025, according to fig- ures tabled in parliament. The figures were provided by Health Minister Ian Borg, in response to a parliamenta- ry question by Nationalist MP Frank Anthony Tabone. The figures show that births at the hospital had fallen stead- ily from 330 in 2020 to 289 in 2024, before recovering last year. A total of 303 babies were born at the hospital in 2021, followed by 302 in 2022 and 292 in 2023. Separately, the figures show that between 25 and 40 babies born at Mater Dei Hospital each year between 2020 and 2025 were to mothers regis- tered as residents of Gozo. The figures show that births at the hospital had fallen steadily from 330 in 2020 to 289 in 2024, before recovering last year More opportunities to be offered to youths in Gozo through more services YOUNG people in Gozo are be- ing encouraged to make great- er use of youth programmes, training opportunities and in- ternational experiences offered through Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, as efforts continue to strengthen the services available on the is- land. The agency's premises in Għajnsielem provide a dedicat- ed space for young people to take part in workshops, train- ing sessions, meetings and so- cial activities, while developing new skills and building rela- tionships within their commu- nities. The facilities were recent- ly visited by Youth Minister Omar Farrugia and Gozo Min- ister Clint Camilleri, who dis- cussed the agency's work and the need to expand opportuni- ties for Gozitan youths. Discussions focused on ensur- ing that young people in Gozo have access to the same sup- port and initiatives available to their counterparts in Malta, while recognising the particu- lar needs and circumstances of the island. Farrugia said the agency of- fered various schemes, pro- grammes and opportunities from which young people in Gozo could benefit. "Right here, at these premis- es in Gozo, youths from the is- land also have the opportunity to benefit from everything we are creating together to ensure that the future of our youths is truly a strong one," he said. Camilleri said that the feed- back the agency was getting, is evidence of its work among young people in Gozo. He also pointed to opportu- nities involving travel and vis- its to European institutions, encouraging more youths to approach the agency and take part. The two ministers said they would continue working with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ to strengthen youth activities on the island and provide spaces where young people can devel- op their potential and become more involved in their com- munities. Young people in Gozo are being encouraged to make greater use of youth programmes, training opportunities and international experiences offered through Aġenzija Żgħażagħ The facilities were recently visited by Youth Minister Omar Farrugia and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, who discussed the agency's work and the need to expand opportunities for Gozitan youths (Photo: DOI)