News | RIVM

New research portal for people with post-COVID

Starting today, people with post-COVID can sign up to take part in scientific research. They can register through the national portal at postcovidonderzoek.nl, which is part of the Post-COVID Network Netherlands.

Chance of smog due to ozone in Overijssel, Drenthe, and Groningen

On Thursday, June 27, the air quality in Overijssel, Drenthe, and Groningen is expected to be "poor" due to ozone smog. People who are sensitive to smog may be affected

Increase in STI consultations in 2023, gonorrhoea sees largest rise in cases

In 2023, more people had themselves tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The total number of consultations at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was 172,113. That represents an increase of 4% compared to 2022.

MEBI: risk of serious health complaints from Rebound HRD® inguinal hernia mesh

The Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI), which is part of RIVM, has received a report about Rebound HRD® (Hernia Repair Device), an inguinal hernia mesh.

Vaccination coverage of babies and toddlers remained about the same, but decreased among older children

The percentage of babies and toddlers that were vaccinated in the framework of the National Immunisation Programme remained about the same compared to last year. In children aged 9 years and older, vaccination coverage continued to decrease for most of the national childhood immunisations.

Almost half of participants lost at least 5% of their weight after completing the CLI

The percentage of participants (47%) that lost at least 5% of their weight was higher at the end of the entire CLI programme than in the first phase. This is shown by the latest RIVM report on the Combined Lifestyle Intervention (CLI).

Weather conditions led to better air quality in 2023

The air quality in 2023 was better than in 2022, mainly due to the weather conditions. This is according to the large-scale concentration (GCN) maps RIVM creates each year of air pollution in the Netherlands.

Nitrogen deposition in vulnerable nature conservation areas is decreasing, but the legal standard cannot be met by 2035

To meet the standard set in the Nitrogen Reduction and Nature Improvement Act (WSN) by 2035, nitrogen emissions must be reduced by far more than initially thought. This has been shown by new calculations performed by RIVM.

Well-being should be considered from the start when formulating policy during pandemic, health emergency or other crisis

Monitoring well-being from the outset and throughout the duration of a pandemic, health emergency or other crisis provides helpful input in making policy choices.

Excise duty increase affects smokers: more people attempt to quit, but more people also purchase tobacco abroad

According to research by RIVM on the 2023 excise duty increase, the increased excise duty (tax) on tobacco products is having a noticeable impact on smokers' behaviour.