There is concern about the current approach to nitrogen and the proposed measures; these concerns have been expressed in Dutch society as a whole and amongst farmers in particular.

Antimicrobial resistance is increasing on a global level. It is difficult to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria.

ESBL is an enzyme, produced by certain bacteria, which makes these bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Approximately 79 percent of the nature reserves (Natura 2000 areas) in EU countries are estimated to be exposed to an excess of nitrogen deposition in 2020.

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. In the Netherlands, some bacteria that can cause infections in people are more frequently resistant to antibiotics used as a last resort.

Residues of medicinal products, such as painkillers, hormones and antidepressants, are increasingly detected in surface water and drinking water.

Wednesday, 18 November is European Antibiotic Awareness Day. On this day, attention throughout Europe is requested for the responsible use of antibiotics in people and animals.

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published its first CAESAR annual report 2014.