pandemic preparedness

[EPT] Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – EP report: EU-wide plan to tackle the proliferation of AMR (22 March 2013)

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – EP report - EU-wide plan to tackle the proliferation of AMR Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described as one of the biggest threats to public health - a worrisome development since resistance to drugs designed to treat severe diseases is becoming more widespread. In 2001 the WHO published its Global Strategy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance, describing what AMR is and what strategies should be (...)

‘Innovation in Veterinary Medicines and the Competitiveness of Livestock Farming in the EU’

The event organised by Zoetis (a global animal health company) examined the challenges faced by the animal livestock industry. EPHA attended the meeting to collect and present the key messages of the workshop for EPHA Members. Sandra Beaty from Zoetis stressed that EU legislation should be based on evidences and science. In his presentation Prof. David Leaver, Emeritus Professor The Royal Agricultural College UK, pointed out that if Europe’s competitiveness in the food market (...)

Council of the EU discusses Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health

The Council of the EU configuration for Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers (EPSCO) met on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 December 2012. During its deliberations, it discussed the European Commission’s proposal for a Decision on serious cross-border threats to health, which is currently awaiting adoption by the full plenary of the European Parliament. The Commission proposal seeks to extend the mandate of the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) to cover all serious (...)

*Updated* EPHA briefing on Antimicrobial Resistance

As consumption of antimicrobials has increased, the natural processes of adaptation and mutation have resulted in new, resistant strains of common diseases. Unresponsive to traditional treatments, these pose a major threat to public health, as demonstrated by the proliferation of regional and global pandemics. EPHA has updated its briefing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ahead of 2012 European Antibiotics Awareness Day (November 18) and in light of the European Parliament’s Own (...)

European Parliament Public Health Committee votes on Serious Health Threats proposal

On Wednesday 10 October 2012 the European Parliament’s Committee for the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) voted to adopt the draft report prepared by MEP Gilles Pargneaux (S&D, France) on serious cross border threats to health. The report makes a number of amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for a Decision of the Parliament and the Council, but broadly supports the Commission’s aims and objectives. The Commission proposal seeks to extend (...)

65th World Health Assembly adopts 21 resolutions

The latest (65th) World Health Assembly gathered on 26 May adopted 21 resolutions on a broad range of health issues including: early marriages and pregnancies, the International Health Regulations, mass gatherings, the Millennium Development Goals, non communicable diseases, pandemic influenza preparedness, intensification of the global polio eradication initiative, research and development, nutrition, the social determinants of health and substandard/spurious/falsely (...)

Unveiling the Danish Presidency health priorities

From the 1st January to the 30 June 2012, Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU, with four overarching priorities: a responsible Europe; a dynamic Europe; A green Europe; a safe Europe. In the health field, the Danish presidency will prioritise six main issues. 1 Action Programme in the Field of Health In 2011, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new Framework Programme in the field of Health called Health For Growth. The Danish Presidency plans to (...)

Release of ESWI Flu documentary

EPHA member the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) has released an influenza documentary that covers all aspects of the disease, ranging from the characteristics of the flu virus itself to the impact of pandemic and epidemic influenza. The result is a highly attractive and informative influenza movie (38 min of length), which can be accessed free of charge in ESWI’s media library at the following address www.flucentre.org/media-library/ (title: Influenza - aiming (...)

EU Action Plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance

The European Commission launches a new five year Action Plan on anti-microbial resistance (AMR), which has been singled out as a major public health concern.

Health threats: EU proposal for better protection and more coordination

The European Commission has adopted a legislative proposal to address serious cross-border health threats. It builds on the careful analysis of ’’lessons learnt’’ from recent health crises.