MEET THE BOARD
The Board for the period 2025 till 2028 is composed as follows;
CHRIS DELICATA
PRESIDENT
Chris has been advocating for the diabetes community in Malta and internationally for over 20 years, inspired by his son’s Type 1 diagnosis in 1999. Since then, he has dedicated his life to improving care, awareness, and support for people living with diabetes.
He has held leadership roles within the International Diabetes Federation, co-chairs the Parliamentary Diabetes Global Network, and has been actively involved with the Maltese Diabetes Association since 2001.
Chris continues to work tirelessly to strengthen advocacy, build connections, and drive meaningful change for the diabetes community
MOIRA GRIXTI
VICE PRESIDENT
Moira is a leading figure in diabetes care in Malta and part of the heart of the Maltese Diabetes Association. With over 30 years of experience, she became Malta’s first Diabetes Nurse Specialist in 2008 and has dedicated her career to empowering people living with diabetes.
She has co-founded summer camps for children and teens with Type 1 diabetes, led national education and awareness initiatives, and continues to lecture, train healthcare professionals, and represent Malta internationally.
Moira’s passion and lifelong commitment have earned her multiple awards and the respect of the diabetes community.
RACHEL MERCIECA
GENERAL SECRETARY
Rachel has been living with Type 1 diabetes for over 28 years, and her journey has shaped her strong passion for advocacy and peer support. From attending the Association’s Summer Camps as a child to now serving on the board of the Maltese Diabetes Association, her commitment to the diabetes community has remained constant.
With her background in Social Policy and Health, Medicine & Society, and international recognition as an International Diabetes Federation Young Leader in Diabetes and a Queen's Young Leaders award recipient, Rachel continues to champion the voices and lived experiences of people with diabetes across Malta and Gozo.
MARTINA MALLIA
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Martina was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 12, and her journey began through the Maltese Diabetes Association Summer Camps. She stepped into advocacy in 2018 at the Youth Leadership Camp hosted by the International Diabetes Federation and later represented Malta in the International Diabetes Federation Youth Leaders in Diabetes Programme in South Korea.
Since then, she has continued supporting young people through international initiatives, including returning as a Junior Mentor, while actively working to bridge gaps in diabetes care in Malta. Martina is passionate about empowering people living with diabetes and building a stronger, more connected community for all.
ILONA PULIS
ADVOCACY & EDUCATION OFFICER
Ms. Ilona Pulis is a Registered Dietitian within Primary Health Care and a Board Member of the Diabetes Association, where she focuses on advocacy and education to support people living with diabetes. With a strong belief in food as a first-line therapy, she works to translate nutrition science into practical guidance that empowers individuals to better manage their health.
Ilona holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Food and Nutritional Sciences, a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics with clinical training at Mater Dei Hospital, and a Master’s in Diabetes Care. She is particularly passionate about improving diabetes outcomes through education, awareness, and accessible nutrition support.
ALISON GALEA
MEDICAL OFFICER
Alison is a specialist diabetes doctor based at Mater Dei Hospital, with over 10 years of experience in the diabetes field, progressing through various roles to achieve her specialist qualification.
She has a strong interest in diabetes technology and diabetes in pregnancy, and is passionate about improving access to care, advancing education, and supporting individuals in managing their condition.
Alongside her clinical work, Alison is committed to raising awareness and promoting evidence-based diabetes care within the community.
