Study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands The measures implemented in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 crisis were effective against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.
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.
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.
More than 2.7 million COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the 2023 autumn round In the 2023 autumn round, more than 2,731,000 people in the Netherlands received a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination coverage for people over 60 is currently 50.5%. Vaccination coverage varies by age group and region. COVID-19 vaccination was available until 22 December 2023.
Dutch population’s salt and sugar intakes go down, fibre intake goes up On average, the sugar and salt intakes of the Dutch population have gone down, while its fibre intake has gone up. This is apparent from the latest Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP) figures.
Booster vaccinations reduced risk of death from COVID-19 in 2022 Booster vaccinations reduced the risk of dying from COVID-19 in 2022. The risk of death from other causes was also lower for people who had a booster jab than for people without a booster jab. These findings are from research by RIVM.
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.
COVID-19 pandemic made me miss out on a key stage of my life, young people claim Young people aged 12–25 feel that the COVID-19 pandemic made them miss out on a key stage of their lives. They have indicated that important milestones, such as graduation ceremonies or the start of student life, passed them by. This is evident from the latest quarterly study conducted by the Network for Health Research in Disasters.
New version of NEVO with updated data on meat and dairy substitutes Today, RIVM will publish the new version of the Dutch Food Composition Database (Nederlands Voedingsstoffenbestand, NEVO). This contains information on the composition of more than 2,300 foods.