Key persons should be involved in policy for pandemics RIVM advises government authorities to involve ‘key persons’ in formulating policy for current and future pandemics. Results from RIVM research show that these individuals played a key role in ensuring an ongoing focus on social well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the limitations.
Potential effects of the reuse of building material on soil quality In a circular economy, building materials have a longer life cycle and are reused in innovative ways. Reusing building materials is sustainable, but can also be risky as building materials may contain contaminants such as heavy metals.
Vaccine manufacturer employee contracts poliovirus An employee of vaccine manufacturer Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio) has been infected with a poliovirus. The virus was found in a stool sample provided by the employee. The employee concerned is now in isolation.
Limited impact of incorrect data used for list of top 100 ammonia emitters On 1 November 2022, RIVM announced that its list of top-100 ammonia emitters was compiled using incorrect emission factors for some types of livestock housing. RIVM has investigated whether the erroneous data had also been used in other RIVM products.
Annual report ‘Tuberculosis in the Netherlands’ for 2021: slight increase in number of TB patients In 2021, the number of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Netherlands rose slightly compared to the preceding year: up to 680 TB patients from 622 in 2020. However, the 2021 number was lower than the number for 2019 (754 patients).
Antibiotic resistance no longer increasing but vigilance remains necessary After continuing to rise for many years, in 2013 the prevalence of resistance to antibiotics levelled out somewhat in both hospitals and primary care.
Need for reliable data on ammonia emissions Many countries in Europe and Central Asia have a need for reliable data on ammonia emissions. These data include ammonia emissions inventories and monitoring of abatement measures.
RIVM forecasting study: a healthier Netherlands with more people living with a chronic disease Dutch people are reaching an increasingly advanced age: in 2030, the life expectancy of men will be 82 years, and of women, 85.
Animation Antibiotic Resistance RIVM monitors and informs the government about potential national health threats with regard to antibiotic resistance. Based on a national AMR surveillance system trends are monitored.
Twenty million post-polio patients are dealing with severe complaints on a daily basis The second European Polio Conference takes place in Amsterdam from 25 - 27 June 2014, with the theme of the ‘Post-Polio Syndrome, A Condition without Boundaries’.