295 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2023 In 2023, 295 individuals reported one or more suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI).
Continuing significant increase in young adults with gonorrhoea The number of people in the Netherlands with gonorrhoea is continuing to increase significantly. Diagnosed cases of this sexually transmitted infection increased by 31% in 2023, compared to 2022. These cases involved people who were tested at a sexual health centre operated by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).
Air pollution increases risk of infection and severity of illness from COVID-19 People who live in areas with poor air quality are more likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the symptoms of COVID-19 are more severe, leading to more hospitalisations and deaths. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research and the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters.
RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens.
Menno de Jong appointed director of RIVM Centre for Infectious Disease Control Starting 1 May 2024, Professor Menno de Jong will take on the role of director of RIVM’s Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb) . He succeeds Jaap van Dissel, who is retiring in April 2024.
National cervical cancer screening campaign under way Today sees the kick-off of the national campaign: Let’s talk about cervical cancer – have you #done the smear test or self-test yet? This marks the first time that RIVM, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society are launching a joint campaign to call attention to cervical cancer screening.
RIVM identifies three major challenges for public health and healthcare in period to 2050 The Dutch public health and healthcare will face three crucial challenges in the period to 2050. This is according to RIVM’s preview of the Dutch Public Health Foresight Study 2024.
Increase in STI consultations in 2023, rise in gonorrhoea cases persists The number of consultations for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was higher in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. Notably, the number of gonorrhoea cases continues to rise.
Self-sampling device to be sent automatically, making it easier to take part in cervical cancer screening From the first week of July, every woman turning 30 will receive a self-sampling device with their invitation for cervical cancer screening. Participants can use this device to collect their own vaginal material.
No major change in air quality in the Netherlands in 2022 The overall air quality in 2022 was slightly worse than in 2021. Weather conditions such as temperature and drought played an important role in this difference. This is according to the large-scale concentration maps published by RIVM each year.