Malta Lifts Two-Decade Ban on UK Resident Blood Donations

2026-08-17T23:00:53.374+00:00 · Updated 2026-08-18T23:03:10.167+00:00

Malta has officially lifted a two-decade-old ban on blood donations from people who have previously resided in the United Kingdom. This significant policy change opens the door for a substantial number of new potential donors on the island.

The restriction, which had been in place for 20 years, was originally implemented due to concerns related to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as 'Mad Cow Disease', and its human variant, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

With the ban now removed, approximately 15,000 British nationals living in Malta are estimated to become eligible to donate blood. This influx of potential donors is expected to bolster the national blood supply.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg announced the policy change, highlighting its importance for public health and the national blood donation service.

The move aligns Malta with other countries that have re-evaluated similar restrictions in recent years, based on updated scientific understanding and risk assessments. It represents a positive development for both the healthcare system and the British expatriate community in Malta.

The two-decade ban on blood donations from individuals who previously lived in the United Kingdom was originally implemented as a precaution against the spread of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. This condition, sometimes referred to as 'mad cow disease', was the primary health concern that led to the restriction. The recent decision to lift the ban followed a re-evaluation of the associated risks.