The effects of the COVID-19 crisis have a greater impact on vulnerable groups in society, such as lower-educated adults, young people, the elderly and people with underlying health problems.

In 2019, the Dutch reporting centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) received 397 reports of suspected adverse effects. The reports concerned 462 implants.

Synthetic mesh are used to treat patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

At the beginning of 2019, RIVM measured the air quality around the landfill at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten for two weeks. No or hardly any harmful substances were measured.

On November 19th 2018, RIVM organised an international expert meeting on a rare type of lymphoma that is associated with breast implants.

From 21 January 2019,  a team from RIVM will travel to Sint Maarten to make measurements and take samples at various locations around the landfill in Philipsburg.

In 2017, RIVM launched a Trend Scenario, as well as three thematic reports about the future demand for health care, technology and wider determinants of health.

If historical trends continue unchanged, dementia will be the leading cause of disease burden in 2040 and the main cause of death.

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

On the first day of the 17th European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) organises a workshop on ‘Our health in 2040’.