Pneumonia increase likely caused by multiple viruses and bacteria More patients with pneumonia visited their GP from August 2023 on than in previous years. The rise in cases of pneumonia among children, adolescents and young adults aged 5–25 years is particularly notable.
More attention needed for the use of Substances of Very High Concern in the storage and transport of hydrogen Hydrogen is a sustainable energy source that could play an important role in the energy transition. Hydrogen can be transported and stored using liquid hydrogen carriers. As highlighted in a study performed by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), these chemicals can be – or can form – Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC, in Dutch ‘ZZS’).
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.
Reducing the impact of painkillers in water: conscious choices and appropriate use Too many medicine residues end up in surface water. RIVM has investigated the impact on surface water resulting from five painkillers that are also available without a prescription.
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.
National Prevention Agreement’s impact on smoking, overweight and problematic alcohol consumption as yet insufficient The Dutch government wants to reduce the percentage of people who smoke, are overweight or whose alcohol consumption is problematic. To this end, the National Prevention Agreement was drawn up in 2018, with ambitions for 2040. The 2040 ambitions for all three theme’s will not be achieved.
PFAS in sea foam along Dutch coast Recent measurements commissioned by the provinces of Zeeland, Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland have revealed the presence of PFAS in sea foam along the Dutch coast, as reported by RIVM. It is as yet unclear what the presence of PFAS in sea foam means for human health.
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.
Doctoral research: Pure fruit juice is less bad for your health than soft drinks Pure fruit juice is less bad for your health than drinks with added sugar, such as soft drinks. At the same time, it is not suitable as a direct substitute for eating fruit. This is Floor Scheffers' conclusion in her doctoral thesis.
Predicting who will experience symptoms after Lyme disease remains challenging Each year, approximately 27,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease. For most, the symptoms disappear after treatment with antibiotics. Unfortunately, 25% of those treated have chronic symptoms, such as fatigue, concentration disorders or pain.