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).
In 2023 more Dutch people play sports on a weekly basis In 2023, 56% of the Dutch population aged four and over played sports at least once a week. This figure marks an increase from 53% in 2022. Notably, the percentage of individuals with physical disabilities who played sports weekly saw a significant rise, from 23% to 29%.
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.
Number of Combined Lifestyle Intervention participants more than doubles in one year The number of participants that has started the Combined Lifestyle Intervention (CLI) has more than doubled over the course of a single year. Nationwide, over 82,000 people have now started the CLI. According to RIVM’s annual report, most of the participants achieve a good outcome.
Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines particularly low among young adults The number of people in the Netherlands aged four and over who meet the Physical Activity Guidelines has fallen since 2020. In 2022, 44.3% of the population was sufficiently physically active.
COVID-19 vaccination for risk groups: over-60s, flu vaccine group, care workers and pregnant women From 19 September 2023 on, the first people will receive an invitation for COVID-19 vaccination. The first invitations will be sent by RIVM to people aged 60 years and older.
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.
Breast implants can cause health problems even five years or more after placement Over the past 5 years, the Dutch reporting and expertise centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) has received 977 reports of health problems related to breast implants. An analysis by RIVM has shown that 39% of the reported health problems started 5 or more years after the implant’s placement.
No indication that investigated mesh implants used to treat pelvic organ prolapse are unsafe RIVM has conducted a laboratory study into six mesh implants from different manufacturers used in the Netherlands in 2018. The study revealed no indication that these products are unsafe for patients.
Less than half of Dutch people met the Physical Activity Guidelines in 2021 In 2021, 47% of people aged four years and older in the Netherlands got the amount of physical activity recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines. Children aged 4 to 11 years were most likely to meet the standard. Conversely, young people between the ages of 12 and 17 fell short. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.