According to a report released on Thursday, Malta experienced the highest incidence of syphilis infections in the European Union in both 2021 and 2022. This sexually transmitted infection (STI) manifests with flu-like symptoms and body sores, and if not addressed, it can result in severe health issues such as heart failure and seizures. In 2022, Malta reported 127 cases of syphilis, yielding an infection rate of 24.4 per 100,000 individuals – nearly three times the EU average and the highest within the bloc.
PA revokes Ġgantija apartments permit, but project might still go on
The Planning Authority has withdrawn the planning permit granted in November 2023 for a residential complex comprising 22 apartments and 20 basement garages within the buffer zone of the Ġgantija temples, situated 157 meters away from the temples. However, the contentious application will undergo a reevaluation, prompted by the submission of a heritage impact assessment. This assessment was requested by UNESCO in February 2023, several months before the initial permit was granted. (Maltatoday)
€30m profit for APS Bank
APS Bank plc has announced a pre-tax profit of €30.2 million. The Bank announced this profit for the financial year ending 31 December. APS Group’s profits meant an increase on the €15.7 it had registered in 2022. In its financial report, the Bank noted that its assets had increased by 17.6% to €3.7 billion. The Board of Directors suggested a final gross dividend of €0.022 per share. (Newsbook)
