News | RIVM

New crisis response organisation at RIVM to control future pandemics

The cabinet has agreed to the proposal of Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, to set up a National Functionality for Infectious Disease Control (LFI).

Flu vaccination also available for pregnant women as of this autumn

Every year, people aged 60+ and people with certain medical conditions can get the free flu vaccination. On the recommendation of the Health Council of the Netherlands, the free flu vaccination will now also be made available to pregnant women.

Nanotechnology increasingly used in medical devices

The application of nanotechnology to design and produce medical devices is increasing. RIVM provides an overview of nanotechnology enabled medical devices.

Greater influx of migrants not expected to lead to an increase in cases of tuberculosis

According to the RIVM report ‘Tuberculosis in the Netherlands 2014’, a total of 823 people were diagnosed with TB last year. That is 21 fewer patients than in 2013.

Replacement possible for products with carcinogenic formaldehyde

There seem to be sufficient alternatives available for the majority of disinfectants and preservatives containing the carcinogenic substance formaldehyde.

WHO’s first ever global estimates of foodborne diseases: children under five account for almost one third of deaths

Almost one third (30%) of all deaths from foodborne diseases are in children under the age of five years, despite the fact that they make up only 9% of the global population.