Tag Archives: Disease prevention

Bluetongue

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Bluetongue

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Food safety > Animal health

Bluetongue

Document or Iniciative

Council Directive 2000/75/EC of 20 November 2000 laying down specific provisions for the control and eradication of bluetongue [See amending act(s)].

Summary

This Directive lays down measures to control and eradicate bluetongue.

Suspected or confirmed cases of the bluetongue virus must be notified to the competent authority of the Member State concerned before implementing the required measures.

Measures for suspected cases of the disease

Where the presence of the disease is suspected in a flock, the official veterinarian is to place the holding(s) concerned under surveillance and undertake a certain number of investigative measures (surveillance of the holding, inventory of the animals and the premises, epidemiological survey, etc.) and protective measures (ban on movements of animals, treatment of animals with insecticide, destruction and disposal of animal carcases, etc.).

Measures for confirmed cases of the disease

If the presence of the disease is confirmed, the official veterinarian will extend the measures introduced on suspicion to all holdings within a 20-km radius around the infected holding(s). He will also carry out an epidemiological survey and may launch a vaccination programme around the outbreaks of bluetongue.

Where the presence of the disease is confirmed, the competent authority must establish a protection zone and a surveillance zone around the holdings.

Protection zone and surveillance zone

The protection zone will extend over a radius of at least 100 kilometres around the infected holding(s). Within that zone, all holdings with animals must be identified and the animals may not leave the zone. The competent authority must establish an epidemiological surveillance programme. A vaccination programme may also be set up within the protection zone.

The surveillance zone will extend for at least 50 kilometres beyond the protection zone. Within that zone, the measures for identification, restriction of movement and epidemiological surveillance applicable within the protection zone must be implemented. However, the vaccination of animals against bluetongue is forbidden.

The protection and surveillance zones may be extended or reduced depending on the epidemiological, geographical, ecological or meteorological circumstances.

Derogations and supplementary measures

The Commission, assisted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health may adopt supplementary or derogatory measures. In particular provisions may be adopted to allow animals to leave the protection and surveillance zones under certain conditions.

National laboratories

Each Member State designates a national laboratory responsible for carrying out the laboratory tests provided for by this Directive and then informs the other Member States and the public of the laboratory’s contact details. Each national laboratory must cooperate with the Community reference laboratory located at Pirbright (United Kingdom).

Context

The outbreak of bluetongue at the end of the 1990s demonstrated that the Community legislation then in force did not deal with the specific features of the disease. This Directive takes over a number of measures laid down by Directive 92/35/EEC concerning African horse sickness, which were adaptable to cover bluetongue.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Directive 2000/75/EC	22.12.2000	1.1.2002	OJ L 327 of 22.12.2000

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Directive 2008/73/EC	12.12.2006	–	OJ L 219 of 14.8.2008

The successive amendments and corrections to Directive 2000/75/EC have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated versionis of documentary value only.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

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Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 22 July 2009 on a European initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias [COM(2009) 380 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Communication lays down milestones for a European initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Definitions

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease which affects mental ability such as memory, thinking and judgement, even causing a deterioration in personality.

The most common types of dementia are:

Alzheimer’s disease (50 to 70 % of cases);
dementia caused by successive strokes (30 % of cases);
Frontotemporal dementia;
Pick’s disease
Binswanger’s disease;
Lewy-Body dementia.

Obstacles

Obstacles hindering the introduction of a European initiative to combat forms of dementia involve:

the lack of prevention and early diagnosis of the disease;
the lack of epidemiological data which limits understanding of the mechanisms of the disease;
the lack of exchanges of good practices between Member States;
the image and negative impact of the disease on the population.

First objective: prevention and early diagnosis of the disease

Preventing the disease or making an early diagnosis can delay the development of the disease. However, these risk factors are not the same according to the different forms of dementia. It is, for example, easier to detect vascular dementia than Alzheimer’s disease since risk factors for vascular dementia are already well known:

high blood pressure;
high cholesterol levels;
smoking.

Member States already have avenues to explore regarding the development of effective prevention of the disease. In particular:

the promotion and stimulation of physical and mental activities throughout life;
the control of the vascular risk factors mentioned above.

In order to meet this objective of prevention and early diagnosis, Member States shall put in place the following actions:

promote cardiovascular health and physical activity;
produce recommendations to inform the public;
include older people in a flexible retirement regime to allow them to remain active.

Second objective: to improve epidemiological knowledge

The European Commission proposes to collect data on the impact of these diseases through the “European Collaboration on Dementia (EuroCoDe)” project. The framework of the “Health” programme may also be used to prepare new criteria for early diagnosis. The Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) may also offer an effective research framework for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

It is also necessary to harmonise existing research frameworks both at European and national level in order to prepare coherent policies. To this end, actions include:

using the European Health Examination Survey to provide new Europe-wide data on the prevalence of people with early cognitive deficiencies;
launching a pilot Joint Programming approach to combat neurodegenerative diseases.

Third objective: exchange of good practices

Exchange of good practices may take place through the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) for social protection, social inclusion and long-term care. Moreover, the Commission may provide information on how ongoing Community programmes can finance these exchanges.

The OMC can help to define quality frameworks for medical and care services for people affected by the disease.

The European Union Disability Action Plan 2003-2010 (DAP) can also be used to support patients’ organisations.

Fourth objective: to respect patients’ rights

The Commission intends to establish a European Network for the protection of the rights and dignity of people with dementia. This Network would be responsible for working on issues related to the dignity, autonomy and social inclusion of patients.

Context

7.3 million Europeans between 30 and 99 years of age were suffering from dementia in 2006. According to the “Dementia in Europe Yearbook” report (2008) , the total direct and informal care costs of the disease amounted to EUR 130 billion for the European Union in 2005. Coordinated action at European level would reduce these figures and combat this major health problem.

Healthy diet for a healthy life

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Healthy diet for a healthy life

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Healthy diet for a healthy life

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Healthy diet for a healthy life

Document or Iniciative

Commission Recommendation No 2010/250/EU of 28 April 2010 on the research joint programming initiative “A healthy diet for a healthy life”.

Summary

Through this Recommendation, the European Commission invites Member States to develop and implement a common strategy for the prevention of diet-related diseases.

What are the risks related to poor diet?

Overweight and obesity may lead to conditions such as:

cardiovascular disease;
hypertension;
type 2 diabetes;
strokes;
certain cancers;
musculo-skeletal disorders;
certain mental health conditions.

However, these risks could be reduced if individuals were to adopt healthy behaviour, particularly in terms of diet. If lifestyle risk factors were eliminated, around 80 % of cases of heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes, and 40 % of cancers, could be avoided.

Which measures are Member States invited to put in place?

In order for research in the area of diet-related diseases to be more effective, the Commission invites Member States to develop and implement a strategic research agenda based on a common approach to the prevention of diet-related diseases.

The agenda shall contain an implementation plan establishing priorities and timelines and the action, instruments and resources required.

The strategic research agenda and implementation plan shall include the following actions in particular:

identifying and exchanging information on relevant national programmes and research activities;
identifying areas or research activities that would benefit from coordination or joint calls for proposals or pooling of resources;
exchanging information, resources, best practices, methods and guidelines, while establishing clinical studies;
exporting and disseminating knowledge, innovation and interdisciplinary approaches;
creating a network between existing specialised centres.

Member States shall set up a common management structure to establish common conditions, rules and procedures for cooperation and coordination. They shall also monitor implementation of the strategic research agenda.

Context

Overweight and obesity have increased greatly among European Union citizens over the past three decades. This trend is becoming more pronounced with time. The Competitiveness Council which met on 3 December 2009 recognised the need to launch a joint programming initiative to be led by Member States and facilitated by the Commission.

Patient safety and the prevention of healthcare associated infections

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Patient safety and the prevention of healthcare associated infections

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Patient safety and the prevention of healthcare associated infections

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Threats to health

Patient safety and the prevention of healthcare associated infections

Document or Iniciative

Council Recommendation 2009/C 151/01 of 9 June 2009 on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections.

Summary

Patient safety during treatment constitutes a major public health problem and generates considerable cost. This Recommendation advises the introduction of a framework aimed at improving patient safety and preventing adverse events, in particular the healthcare associated infections
*
which may be contracted in healthcare institutions.

Patient safety

The establishment and development of national policies and programmes on patient safety

A competent authority responsible for patient safety on their territory should be designated. This measure would contribute, inter alia, to embedding patient safety as a priority issue in health policies and programmes at national as well as regional and local levels.

In order to improve patient safety, more efficient systems, processes and tools in the area of healthcare safety should be developed. Safety standards and practices applying to healthcare should be reviewed regularly.

Health professional organisations should also be encouraged to have a more active role in patient safety.

An approach should be introduced to promote safe practices so as to prevent the most commonly occurring adverse events such as medication-related events, healthcare associated infections and complications related to surgical intervention.

Making patients part of the process

Patients should be involved, through the associations representing them, in the definition of patient safety policies. They should, moreover, receive information on safety standards which are in place as well as complaints procedures and available remedies or redress. It would also be opportune to enable patients to acquire a basic knowledge of patient safety.

Improving information and introducing reporting systems

The introduction or improvement of existing reporting systems should enable information to be provided on the extent, types and causes of incidents related to patient care. Such systems should be designed to encourage healthcare workers to report any adverse event *. They would also allow patients and their families to share their experiences.

These systems would also enable other risk management systems in the field of health safety to be supplemented, such as those concerning pharmacovigilance.

Education and training of healthcare workers

Healthcare workers have an important role to play in improving patient safety. It is therefore essential that they have multidisciplinary training and education in this field. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, continuing professional development and on-the-job training for healthcare workers should therefore include the issue of patient safety.

All healthcare workers should be duly informed of existing risks and safety measures.

Sharing knowledge, experience and best practice at Community level

It would be relevant to develop a system to classify and assess patient safety at European level. This approach requires the preparation of common definitions and terminology as well as comparable indicators which would allow Member States to make mutual use of information and experience acquired at national level. This exchange of knowledge and best practice would also enable patient safety policies to be improved and to better target research in this field.

Prevention of healthcare associated infections

A strategy to prevent and control healthcare associated infections should be established in order to:

implement prevention and control measures at national or regional level;
improve the prevention and control of infection in healthcare institutions;
establish active surveillance systems;
foster education and training of healthcare workers;
facilitate access to information for patients.

Context

On average, healthcare associated infections occur in one hospitalised patient in 20, that is to say 4.1 million patients a year in the European Union, and cause 37 000 deaths. Many of these deaths could be avoided. This Recommendation builds upon the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to propose a framework for patient safety.

Key terms of the Act
Healthcare associated infections: means diseases or pathologies related to the presence of an infectious agent or its products in association with exposure to healthcare facilities or healthcare procedures or treatments; Adverse event: means an incident which results in harm to a patient; Patient safety: means freedom, for a patient, from unnecessary harm or potential harm associated with healthcare.

Key terms of the Act

Healthcare associated infections: means diseases or pathologies related to the presence of an infectious agent or its products in association with exposure to healthcare facilities or healthcare procedures or treatments;
Adverse event: means an incident which results in harm to a patient;
Patient safety: means freedom, for a patient, from unnecessary harm or potential harm associated with healthcare.

Action against Cancer: European Partnership

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Action against Cancer: European Partnership

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Action against Cancer: European Partnership

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > European health strategy

Action against Cancer: European Partnership (2009-2013)

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 24 June 2009 on Action against Cancer: European Partnership [COM(2009) 291 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Communication sets out the objectives of the European Partnership for Action against Cancer.

Cancer in Europe: a major challenge

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in the European Union (EU). Although the legal basis for action in the field of health largely falls on the Member States, to combat this disease effectively it is necessary to act at European level in order to avoid duplication of efforts throughout the European Union, to reduce inequalities between countries and to improve the use of limited resources.

It is essential to put in place preventive measures to extend individuals’ life-spans. It has been estimated, for example, that if all women were to undergo cervical cancer screening, life years lost could be reduced by 94 %.

Action against cancer should be carried out collectively in order to facilitate the identification and sharing of information, capacity and expertise in prevention and treatment. This action carried out collectively in partnership should enable all Member States to have integrated cancer plans.

Areas covered by the Partnership

Prevention and early detection

One third of cancers could be avoided by acting on certain risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. European strategies already exist in relation to obesity, alcoholism and smoking. A horizontal approach combining all of these aspects is encouraged under the European Partnership for Action against Cancer.

The individual’s environment, in particular indoor and outdoor air quality, and over-exposure to the sun, may be at the root of certain cancers.

The European Code Against Cancer is a specific anti-cancer tool: it contains a list of recommendations enabling citizens to take preventive measures linked to lifestyle.

Cancer can be treated successfully thanks to early screening and treatment strategies. In 2003 the Health Ministers of the Member States of the European Union (EU) unanimously adopted the Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening, leading to the implementation of screening campaigns for cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer throughout the European Union. According to the first Report from the Commission on the implementation of the Council Recommendation of 2 December 2003 on cancer screening (EN ), however, it is necessary to go even further in screening for these cancers by aiming for 100 % coverage of the population concerned.

Identification and dissemination of good practice

Patients should be offered integrated cancer care giving consideration to psychosocial wellbeing and support. In addition to curative care, high-quality care must be provided to a rising number of chronic cancer patients in order to stabilise their illness for a number of years and to provide them with a good quality of life in the absence of a cure. The Partnership will permit the exchange of good practices between Member States in all fields of health care, including palliative care, in order to reduce inequalities between countries.

Cooperation and coordination in cancer research

Cancer research covers research into prevention, clinical research and translational research. Euro 750 million has been devoted to cancer research through the 6^th and 7^th Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development.

It is important to coordinate all sectors of research in order to avoid fragmentation of efforts throughout the EU. Forms of cooperation already exist such as the Innovative Medicine Initiative (IMI) and the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI).

Benchmarking process – providing the comparable information necessary for policy and action

The European Commission considers it necessary to have a cancer information system for the collection of data and identification of good practices.

The collection of data would make it possible to establish a common set of core indicators.

Working together in partnership

The Partnership brings together Member States, experts, health care professionals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), patient groups, civil society representatives and industry.

The work should be undertaken in working groups each specialising in one of the four areas referred to above, coordinated by a steering group

The Partnership started in the third quarter of 2009. It will be funded by joint action, a financial instrument existing until the end of the current financial framework, i.e. 2013.

Background

In 2006 cancer accounted for two out of ten deaths in women and three out of ten deaths in men. 3.2 million cancers are diagnosed every year in Europe. Faced with the extent of this phenomenon, the European Union must respond collectively in order to reduce the number of deaths and to improve public health. The Partnership set up for the period 2009-2013 is a response to combat the spread of this scourge in Europe.

See also:

Multi-annual programme of action for health

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Multi-annual programme of action for health

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Multi-annual programme of action for health

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > European health strategy

Multi-annual programme of action for health (2014-2020) (Proposal)

Proposal

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 November 2011 on establishing a Health for Growth Programme, the third multi-annual programme of EU action in the field of health for the period 2014-2020 [COM(2011) 709 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The Health for Growth Programme (2014-2020) is the third multi-annual programme of European Union (EU) action. It helps/supports Member States in order to:

undertake the necessary reforms to achieve innovative and sustainable health systems;
improve access to better and safer health care for citizens;
promote good health of European citizens and prevent diseases;
protect European citizens from cross-border threats.

Objective No 1: Contributing to innovative and sustainable health systems

The European Commission must help Member States to address shortages of human and financial resources. It must also promote the implementation of innovation in health care, for example e-Health, and the sharing of expertise in this field. The Programme also supports the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing.

Objective No 2: Increasing access to better and safer healthcare for citizens

The Commission suggests setting up the accreditation of European Reference Networks. This would allow, for example, action to be supported in the field of rare diseases. European guidelines should also be developed on patient safety and the use of antimicrobials.

Objective No 3: Promoting good health and preventing diseases

Member States are invited to exchange best practices on smoking prevention, abuse of alcohol and obesity. Specific action should also help to prevent chronic diseases, including cancer.

Objective No 4: Protecting citizens from cross border health threats

The Commission considers that the level of preparedness and response for serious cross border health threats must be improved.

Financial provisions

The financial allocation for the Programme is EUR 446 million for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. The following may participate in the Programme:

all EU Member States;
countries acceding to the EU, candidate countries and potential candidates benefiting from a pre-accession strategy;
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries in accordance with the conditions established in the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement;
neighbouring countries and countries to which the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) applies in accordance with the conditions established in bilateral or multilateral agreements.

The EU may also make financial contributions in the form of grants or public procurement to fund actions having European added value, or grants for the functioning of non-governmental bodies. Such grants contribute 60 % of eligible costs and cover a wide spectrum of legally established organisations such as:

public authorities and public sector bodies;
research institutions;
health institutions;
universities;
higher education establishments;
undertakings.

In exceptional cases only, these grants may be up to 80 % of eligible costs.

Funding may also cover expenditure on preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities required for the implementation of the Programme.

Implementation of the Programme

Implementation of Programme actions shall be monitored by the Commission, in close collaboration with Member States. The Commission shall, furthermore, be assisted by a committee pursuant to the Regulation on the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers.

Member States shall designate National Focal Points in order to disseminate the Programme and its results in their countries.

This Regulation repeals the Decision on the Second programme of Community action in the field of health from 1 January 2014.

Reference

Proposal	Official Journal	Procedure
COM(2011) 709 final	–	2011/0339/COD

Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries

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Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Threats to health

Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries (2009-2013)

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 26 October 2009 – Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries, 2009-2013 [COM(2009) 569 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Communication presents the European Commission’s action plan to combat HIV/AIDS for the period 2009-2013. It is a complementary measure to the European Programme for Action to Confront HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis through External Action (2007-2011).

Current situation of HIV in Europe

The prevalence rate of HIV infection is estimated at between 0.1 % and 1.2 % in Europe, depending on the State. This Communication notes an alarming rise in the spread of the virus, mainly in the east of the continent. Furthermore, it notes differences between the means of contamination:

mainly sexual transmission in countries in the west of the European Union;
mainly through injecting drug use in Eastern Europe and in some neighbouring countries *.

Vulnerable groups (who are most likely at risk of infection) are mainly:

injecting drug users;
men having sex with men;
women;
sex workers.

Between 30 % and 50 % of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the EU, and up to 70 % in European neighbouring countries, are unaware of their HIV status. Moreover, access to care and prevention measures is still limited and varies according to the country.

Objectives of the EU 2009-2013 Action Plan

The EU action plan on combating HIV/AIDS aims at:

contributing to reducing the number of new infections in all European countries by 2013;
improving access to prevention, treatment, care and support;
improving quality of life for people living with, affected by or vulnerable to the virus.

In order to meet these objectives, the European Commission proposes to act in the following areas:

political leadership: the Commission intends to link the response to HIV/AIDS with the socio-economic priorities in political strategies at country level. It invites all stakeholders to take account of HIV when implementing policies, legislation and EU agreements.
involvement of civil society and people living with HIV/AIDS: the Commission encourages Civil Society organisations, as well as associations representing PLWHA and people affected by the virus to participate in combating HIV in the EU and neighbouring countries. For this reason, the Civil Society Forum should be maintained, as should the HIV/AIDS Think Tank.
society responsibilities and human rights: it is crucial to ensure that the human rights of persons with HIV status are respected, and that prejudice and stigmatisation of such persons is halted. To this end, the Commission plans to step up awareness-raising efforts and public information campaigns, and to improve training on HIV in social and public health sectors.
universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support: the Commission wishes to help develop strategies aimed at improving access for all to safe and affordable antiretroviral medicines, such as structural funds or social funds. It intends to support UNAIDS, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Priority areas and groups at risk

The Communication defines the most affected regions as a priority, particularly the area including Eastern European countries that are the subject of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Although the virus tends now to be transmitted more and more by heterosexual means, the most affected groups are still:

men having sex with men;
injecting drug users;
migrants from countries with a high rate of HIV-infected people.

The Commission considers that it is crucial to improve prevention among these groups and in these areas, as well as the treatment of co-infections such as tuberculosis or hepatitis.

Surveillance and research

HIV/AIDS surveillance for Europe is carried out by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in cooperation with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and by UNAIDS. The Commission invites the Member States to apply the Decision introducing a network for the surveillance and control of communicable diseases in order to collect more robust and comprehensive data.

The Commission intends to encourage HIV research through the framework programme for research and the programme in the field of health. It also plans to support investments towards the development and implementation of innovative preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Key terms of the Act
Neighbouring countries: the Russian Federation, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine.