Antibiotic resistance is widespread across the whole of Europe. High resistance, often seen in the southern and eastern countries of the European Union, is also found in the eastern part of the European Region. In particular, resistant bacteria are spreading in hospitals and health care settings, putting patients at risk of contracting incurable diseases. This […]
Resistant bacteria spreading in hospitals across Europe Read More »
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is estimated to affect more than 2 million people every year in the European Region. Although most people do not have symptoms, if a woman becomes infected just before or early in her pregnancy, it can have very serious health consequences for her child. Toxoplasma can be acquired
Toxoplasmosis: greater awareness needed Read More »
14 people die every day in the pan-European region, due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene. In response a Protocol on Water and Health has been developed which urges an holistic approach to water, sanitation and health, enabling countries to use the Protocol as a tool to implement Strategic Development Goals SDG) at national levels.
Water, sanitation and health Read More »
Although the number of refugee and migrant arrivals has seen an overall reduction in recent months, migration to Europe continues at a steady rate. In 2016 more than 330,000 refugees and migrants reached Italy and Greece with over 4,200 being found dead or reported missing at sea, compared to 3,771 in 2015. The health systems
European Knowledge Hub on Health and Migration Read More »
The EU has recently launched a Coding Platform to support healthcare professionals and national authorities in tracing donated tissues and cells from donor to recipient in the entire EU. The EU Directive on standards for quality and safety of human tissues and cells sets standards for tissues and cells such as bone marrow, reproductive cells,
Tracing donated tissue and cells Read More »
All populations will be affected by climate change, but some are more vulnerable than others. In Europe it will be people living on small islands, in coastal regions and on rivers who will be particularly vulnerable. WHO have produced a fact sheet on climate change and health which provides key facts, outlines patterns of infection,
Climate change and health Read More »
The European Commission has published two reports on the implementation of EU legislation which sets standards of quality and safety for both human blood and human tissues and cells. According to the legislation, donations of human blood, tissues and cells should be voluntary and unpaid and all EU countries have taken measures to encourage this,
Human blood, tissues and cells Read More »
The AIRSAN Project looked at coordinated action in the aviation sector to control public health threats and has developed a range of tools to ensure a well- organised and coherent response. The Project targeted public health and civil aviation authorities, local public health authorities at airports, airport and airline management and medical services across EU
Public Health threats to air safety Read More »
The WHO has declared the Zika virus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. The European Commission has created a central web page with information on the Zika outbreak and how it is being managed in the EU. It will be regularly updated in line with the latest developments. To see more about the
Zika virus in Europe Read More »
At the end of 2015, the EU implemented a decision to improve preparedness across the EU and strengthen the capacity for coordinated responses to health emergencies. This will improve health security in the EU and will help member states prepare for cross-border threates caused by communicable diseases, chemical, biological or environmental events. The Decision has
Serious cross-border threats to health Read More »
