EU Commissioner John Dalli delivers speech on rare diseases and orphan products

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attended the 6th European Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Products Brussels, Belgium, 24 May 2012

European Medicines Agency publishes supplementary information on funding for medicine safety studies

The European Medicines Agency has published information on research activities on medicine safety that may be funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme

NGO Healthcare Without Harm releases video promoting the CleanMed Europe sustainable healthcare conference

The CleanMed Europe sustainable healthcare conference will take place in Malmö/Sweden in September 2012

Rare diseases: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patient Group Advocates meet!

The "CML Horizons 2012" conference, held in Munich in May 2012, was a great success, with 86 patient advocates from from 48 countries participating in this meeting

EU Commissioner Dalli delivers speech at 1st dialogue on human health between traditional chinese medicine culture and western medicine

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends the Dialogue on Human Health between Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture and Western Medicine at the University of Bologna, Italy, 10 May 2012

Usunąć z rynku groźne pseudo-leki

Choć miały leczyć, to w rzeczywistości groziły zdrowiu lub życiu pacjentów. Niektóre specyfiki, jak francuski "lek" dla cukrzyków Mediator, spowodowały, według szacunków, setki śmiertelnych ofiar

EuroparlTV: Nowe prawa powstrzymają śmiercionośnie tabletki

Skandal wokół niebezpiecznego leku Mediator rzucił światło na luki prawne w UE. Europosłowie głosują w sprawie surowszych zasad kontroli farmaceutycznych

European Parliament: towards better detection and EU-wide withdrawal of dangerous medicines

The adverse effects of medicinal products will be better monitored in future, to prevent the recurrence of cases like the French diabetes medicine "Médiator" (benfluorex), which led to many deaths

EU Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on colorectal cancer prevention and screening

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attended European Colorectal Cancer Days in Brno, Czech Republic, 04 May 2012

Czy curry może pomóc przezwyciężyć nowotwór? Testy przeprowadzane przez naukowców mają przynieść odpowiedź

Zespół z Uniwersytetu w Leicester, Wlk. Brytania, oraz z Cancer Research UK zamierza sprawdzić, czy wpływ kurkuminy może poprawić reakcję pacjentów na chemioterapię

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control launched slogan contest to promote good hand hygiene practices

On the occasion of the WHO campaign ‘Save Lives: clean your hands’, ECDC is launching a slogan contest open to under- and postgraduate students to help promote ECDC surveillance module on compliance with good hand hygiene practices

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control supports WHO “Save Lives: clean your hands” campaign

As a way to contribute to this important initiative, ECDC launched the third and last wave of data collection for the ECDC point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals

International Thalassaemia Day: Thalassaemia International Federation focuses on patients' rights (8 May 2012)

On 8 May 2012, Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) will celebrate International Thalassaemia Day 2012 and will hold a press conference with the theme ‘Patients’ Rights Revisited’. The message of TIF president is available online

Naukowcy wskazują na procesy biologiczne powiązane z rakiem piersi u młodych kobiet

Naukowcy, pracujący pod kierunkiem Instytutu im. Julesa Bordeta w Belgii, odkryli, że rak piersi u kobiet w wieku 45 lat i młodszych jest wzbogacony o agresywne guzy podstawne.

Alzheimer Europe contributes to Commission's reflection process on Chronic Diseases

On 30 April, Alzheimer Europe finalised its contribution to the European Commission reflection process on Chronic Diseases.

Commissioner Dalli launched the 4th edition of the EU Health Prize for Journalists

With this prize, the Commission stresses the important role of the media in raising awareness on health issues.

European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) briefing on antimicrobial resistance

EPHA’s briefing describes the causes of AMR; evaluates what is being done at an EU and international level; and explores some of challenges faced today by public health

Action Plan for the EU health workforce adopted as part of the Commission Communication for a job rich recovery in Europe

Disclaimer: This document is a European Commission staff working document for information purposes. It does not represent an official position of the Commission on this issue, nor does it anticipate such a position.

Watch the EU Health Programmes conference live today!

The conference will be broadcasted live. It starts today 3 May at 9.15 and will showcase how EU-added value is delivered in public health across the EU

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE”, wydanie 89 – Konferencja wysokiego szczebla poświęcona unijnym programom w dziedzinie zdrowia (3 maja 2012 r.)

Health First Europe reports on "Open Forum Debate on Patient Safety" (27 April 2012)

The event was organised by Health First Europe and gathered experts as well as EU institutions' representatives.

Danish public health authority publishes information on MMR vaccination

In new webpages dedicated to MMR vaccination, Danish public health authority explains why it is important to have children vaccinated against measles. Only in Danish.

EuroparlTV: Zdecydowana walka z niebezpiecznymi implantami

Eurodeputowani domagają się surowych środków, żeby chronić obywateli przed "oszustami" sprzedającymi implanty i inny sprzęt medyczny.

European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) publishes report on the impact of the economic crisis on healthcare systems in Europe

The paper also analyses the measures taken to combat the impact of the financial turmoil on healthcare professionals and patients. The report, entitled "The Crisis, Hospitals and Healthcare," also includes a comparative country study of the situation in 20 European countries and is featured on EPHA website.

ECDC publishes guidelines on planning and implementing communication activities on vaccination

ECDC has issued a report highlighting the importance of building trust for public health organisations in order for them to communicate effectively on immunisation.

European Parliament: PIP breast implants - "learn the lessons of this fraud"

A breast implant register, more stringent checks and product traceability, and a pre-market authorisation system are among the measures proposed by the Environment and Public Health Committee on Wednesday to prevent a recurrence of the PIP defective breast implants case.

Naukowcy stworzyli replikę słynnego śrubokrętu sonicznego Doktora Who

Projekt NANOPORATION, który rozpoczął się w 2009 r. i będzie realizowany do 2013 r., zgromadził naukowców z Izraela i Wlk. Brytanii, którzy postawili sobie za cel opracowanie nowych rozwiązań, aby przezwyciężyć obecne wyzwania stojące przed chemioterapią nowotworów.

Youth competition focusing on communication of the European Code Against Cancer

As the official coordinator for the European Week Against Cancer 25-31 May 2012, the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), along the Italian Cancer League, is organising the “Communicating the Code” Youth Competition. Poster and video submissions accepted until 21 May 2012.

European Medicines Agency: Towards a robust global framework for conduct and oversight of clinical trials

European Medicines Agency publishes reflection paper with practical guidance on the assurance of ethical and GCP standards in the conduct of clinical trials included in marketing authorisation applications submitted in the EU.

European Medicines Agency publishes highlights from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use meeting (April 2012)

EMA lists the opinions adopted at the April 2012 meeting of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and other important outcomes.

ECDC comments on Irish report on the association between 2009 pandemic vaccine and narcolepsy

The report investigates an increase in the incidence of narcolepsy in children and adolescents in 2009 and 2010.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE”, wydanie 88 – Światowy Dzień Zdrowia 2012: Starzenie się a zdrowie (19 kwietnia 2012 r.)

World Health Organization and Alzheimer’s Disease International: New report on dementia

A report released 11 April 2012 by WHO and ADI calls upon governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to make dementia a global public health priority.

European Medicines Agency publishes reflection paper on conduct and oversight of clinical trials

This is the final reflection paper on ethical and good clinical practice (GCP) aspects of clinical trials of medicinal products for human use conducted outside of the European Union and submitted in marketing authorisation applications to the EU regulatory authorities.

EU public consultation on active substances imported into the EU for medicinal products for human use

Deadline: 1 June 2012. The consultation is on the draft template for the written confirmation for active substances imported into the EU for medicinal products for human use

European Cancer Leagues Association (ECL) is organising a flashmob to highlight the European Week against Cancer

The event will take place on 26 May 2012 in Paris, Rome, Ankara, Barcelona and London.

EU-funded NILVAD project for a new treatment in Alzheimer's disease: website now online

NILVAD is a European multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial of nilvadipine in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It received funding from the European Commission.

European Federation of Nurses Associations: press release on the World Health Day

On the occasion of the World Health Day 2012, the EFN has developed a press release in order to highlight the importance of this year’s theme “Ageing and Health”.

Mental Health Europe discusses mental health impact of financial crisis in Public Service Review

MHE Senior Policy Adviser Josée Van Remoortel explains why it is crucial that mental health be put high on the political agenda when handling the financial crisis

International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) Patient-Centred Healthcare Indicators Review

The Review aims to identify and explore current efforts to measure the patient-centredness of healthcare providers, organizations, national health systems and other stakeholders involved in healthcare provision.

European Patients'Forum: Report on the conference dedicated to older patients available (12-13 July 2011)

EPF report: EPF/FPP Conference under the Polish EU Presidency. A first step into the rights and needs of older patients

Stołowanie się w fast foodzie podnosi ryzyko depresji

W toku nowych badań przeprowadzonych w Hiszpanii ustalono, że jedzenie w fast foodach zwiększa ryzyko zapadnięcia na depresję.

Niski poziom białka wywołuje zespół TAR

Europejscy naukowcy odkryli, że zespół małopłytkowości i aplazji kości promieniowej (TAR) - rzadka, dziedziczna choroba krwi i kośćca - jest wywoływany niskim poziomem białka Y14.

Naukowcy bliżej precyzyjniejszego diagnozowania nowotworów

Naukowcy z Francji i Wlk. Brytanii ustalili powiązanie między aberracją chromosomową a wyższym ryzykiem zgonu dzieci cierpiących na śmiertelną postać raka mózgu.

JRC researchers test alternative method for producing a radioisotope for cancer radiotherapy

Experimental results on a new method for the production of Cu-67, based on deuteron irradiation of an isotopically enriched Zn-70 target, have been published by researchers at the Joint Research Centre.

European Federation of Nurses Associations publication: Caring in crisis

EFN report on the impact of the financial crisis on nurses and nursing.

Study finds dense tissue and age link behind recurring breast cancer

Age and breast tissue play a significant role in whether breast cancer will recur, new Swedish research shows.

Nowy test diagnostyczny na nowotwór złośliwy przełyku

Europejscy naukowcy dokonali ogromnego przełomu w opracowywaniu testu diagnostycznego na nowotwór złośliwy przełyku, który ma doprowadzić do postępów w diagnostyce i leczeniu tego schorzenia.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE” wydanie 87 – Ekonomika służby zdrowia (22 marca 2012 r.)

EU research: Uncovering drugs that boost cognitive function

Researchers have discovered that there are a number of drugs that give cognitive function a boost.

ECDC Director stresses 'one health' approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance problems in humans and animals

The Danish EU Presidency invited ECDC to join a European conference on antimicrobial resistance.

EU Commissioner for Health, John Dalli, about the review of the clinical trials directive

The Commission is preparing a proposal for the revision of the Clinical Trials Directive for later this year.

Combating antimicrobial resistance is a matter of life or death, says Danish Presidency of the EU Council

The Danish Presidency is aiming for the Council to conclude on common EU measures for combating antimicrobial resistance.

Schools for Health in Europe (SHE) organises Youth “Anti-Cancer Contest”

The aim is to create the most effective poster or video communicating how cancer can be prevented, by using one or more messages in the European Code Against Cancer. Deadline: 17 April.

EU Commissioner for Health, John Dalli, delivers speech on "Clinical Trials Directive – Meeting Patients' Needs"

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends a joint event organised by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations and the Roche Group; Brussels, Belgium, 07 March 2012.

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to health says Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Every year more than 25,000 European citizens die from infections caused by bacteria that have developed resistance towards antimicrobials.

Study says men who smoke are more likely to develop dementia

A new study from University College London, led by Dr. Severine Sabia, shows that men who smoke are more likely to develop dementia later in life.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE” wydanie 86 – Międzynarodowy Dzień Kobiet (8 marca 2012 r.)

EU publication: Investing in well-being at work

Addressing psychosocial risks in times of change.

Komisja proponuje przyspieszenie dostępu pacjentów do leków

Leki powinny szybciej wchodzić na rynek. Mając to na względzie, Komisja Europejska zaproponowała dziś usprawnienie i skrócenie czasu podejmowania krajowych decyzji dotyczących ustalania cen i refundacji leków.

Karolinska Institutet coordinates international research on neurodegenerative diseases

It will coordinate a major EU research project on neurodegenerative diseases involving 22 countries.

HeadSmart child brain tumour awareness initiative launched in Europe

The new pan-European HeadSmart campaign has been launched today on Rare Disease Day, to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people.

Top experts guide international effort in rare diseases research

Chaired by the European Commission, the Executive Committee of the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) appointed today 31 class-leading experts to help guide its members' future research efforts.

Today is the World Rare Disease Day - Watch the videos on European activities for rare diseases

Videos on projects in the area of rare diseases and medicines for rare diseases at European level.

World Rare Disease Day (29 February 2012) - Read the dedicated Health-EU newsletter

Fighting breast cancer: new EU-funded biomarker project kicks off

A new EU-funded biomarker project that aims to get breast cancer therapy more tailored to individual patients has just got under way. By ensuring that the therapy is specifically designed with an individual patient in mind, medical practitioners can bypass ineffective treatments - saving both valuable time and energy.

Video - Xplore Health: Skin cancer exposed

Investigate new technologies that are being developed to detect melanoma early.

European Week Against Cancer - “Communicating the Code” Youth Competition

As part of the activities for the European Week Against Cancer 25 – 31 May this year, young people between 11 and 18 years are invited to submit a poster or video on a message from the European Code Against Cancer  by Tuesday 17 April 2012.

International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day: What's Your Story?

Paul Catana tells his story. If you have a story about childhood cancer you'd like to share, send it to the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) for publication on their website and other publications.

Putting EU cancer legislation in the spotlight

Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer face an additional challenge: EU legislation has had a negative impact on the treatment received by these patients. This is the message that was presented at International Childhood Cancer Day, a European Parliament event that brought together key figures in Brussels, Belgium on 15 February.

Euromelanoma is new partner of the European Cancer Leagues

Euromelanoma is a new partner in the EPAAC work package on Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention being led by ECL. "Euromelanoma is a pan-European campaign for skin cancer prevention that aims to give information to everybody on skin cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment."

ECDC publishes reports on healthcare-associated infections in Europe

The reports include data from HAI-Net surveillance on healthcare-associated infections in Europe for 2007 and on surgical site infections in Europe for 2008–2009. ECDC also publishes the HAI-Net protocol for surveillance of surgical site infections in European hospitals.

Konferencja wysokiego szczebla poświęcona unijnym programom w dziedzinie zdrowia: wyniki i perspektywy na przyszłość (3 maja 2012 r.) – trwa rejestracja uczestników

Podczas tej konferencji Komisja Europejska przedstawi osiągnięcia pierwszego i drugiego programu działań w dziedzinie zdrowia, tak by w oparciu o wnioski z ich realizacji możliwe było osiągnięcie porozumienia i wymiana poglądów w sprawie trzeciego programu działań.

European Medicines Agency publishes guideline on use of pharmacogenetics in evaluating pharmacokinetics of medicines

The European Medicines Agency has published a guideline advising pharmaceutical companies how to integrate studying the role of genetic variability between patients during the development of medicines.

Launch of the Research Strategy of the European Joint Programming Initiative in Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Speech from Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.

Piecing together a genetic puzzle

Alcohol and cancer the forgotten link

4th of February marked the World Cancer Day, this disease is the leading cause of death in several European countries. Nearly 25 years after the first conclusive links between alcohol and cancer were established, awareness about the links is alarmingly low.

Early detection of common cancers

World Cancer Day - "Together it is possible"

This was the 2012 theme for World Cancer Day, reinforcing that it is only by every person, organization, and government individually doing their part that the world will be able to reduce premature deaths from cancer and other noncommunicable diseases.

Video - 7 Days: How can we combat antibiotic resistance?

Publication of the EU Health Prize for Journalists booklet

You can read all the national finalists' articles in the booklet of the 2011 edition.

Commissioner Dalli visits the European Medicines Agency in London

On the occasion of the Commissioner's visit to EMA, the European Commission is launching a video to explain to citizens the system of authorisation for all medicines circulating in the European Union.

European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) launched on 1st February 2012

Better protection of public health: European Medicines Agency counts down to introduction of new pharmacovigilance legislation

EU Health Prize for Journalists: Mateja Grošelj won 3rd prize!

The 3rd prize went to Mateja Grošelj for her article "From Lojze to Ludvika" on breast cancer, published in the Vecer Weekly newspaper.

EU Health Prize for Journalists: Rita Makarész won 2nd prize!

Rita Makarész won 2nd prize for her article on the importance of exercise in helping tackle depression. "The cheapest antidepressant", published on www.orvostkeresek.hu.

EU Health Prize for Journalists: Ben Hirschler and Kate Kelland won 1st prize!

Ben Hirschler and Kate Kelland won 1st prize for their article on antimicrobial resistance. "When the drugs don't work", published by Reuters.

Commission announces winners of the 3rd EU Health Prize for Journalists

Last night, four prizes were awarded to European journalists for the best articles on health issues. The main theme of the Prize was the 'Europe for Patients' campaign.

Study finds link between molecular signature and Alzheimer's

Scientists in Finland have discovered how a biochemical signature can potentially predict progression to Alzheimer's disease.

Video: Safe medicines for the EU (subtitled versions in 21 languages)

This short video describes the work of the European Commission to ensure the safety and quality of medicines in all EU Member States.

Neurostemcell advances stem cell therapy research

Maximising prospects for successful clinical trials of stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's and Parkinson's is possible through solid cooperation between experimental and clinical researchers.

Taking the first step on the road to cancer control

The UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases opened a window of opportunity for decisive action to set poorer countries on the road towards sustainable cancer control.

EU study assesses obesity prevalence rates

Researchers believe obesity raises people's risk of suffering from chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

While epidemics have not yet started across Europe there is still time to protect yourself against influenza

During the influenza season citizens should adopt preventative measures recommended by their national authorities. These include personal hygiene measures and vaccination for those recommended. Vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent serious illness.

Linking up cancer registries: EU-funded project on track

Taking stock on the progress of an EU-funded project that aims to link up European cancer registries was the aim of a recent summit organised by the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO).

Mental Health and Human Rights – a hidden emergency

WHO has launched its QualityRights Project, which aims to improve the quality and human rights conditions in mental health and social care facilities and empower civil society organizations to advocate for the rights of people with mental and psychosocial disabilities.

EU-funded scientists uncover gene that causes spread of skin cancer

A new EU-funded study has pinpointed the specific gene that must be present before malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, can spread.

Alzheimer Europe survey shows overwhelming public support for greater investment in dementia care and research

Results of an international survey reveal that the majority of respondents in each of the five countries surveyed wish to see government spending increased both on research into treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and caring for people with this condition.

Scientists find way to design new brain drugs

A Belgian-British team of researchers has found a way to design drugs able to target specific areas of the brain.

Fighting Parkinson's with carbon nanoparticles

The study is an outcome of the NOBLESSE ('Nanotechnology, biomaterials and alternative energy source for the European Research Area (ERA))' project.

Study suggests link between early Alzheimer's disease and low body mass index (BMI)

People in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease may be more likely to have a lower body mass index according to a study published in Neurology (Monday 21 November 2011).

Health professional mobility and health systems. Evidence from 17 European countries

This publication presents research on the gaps in knowledge about the numbers, trends, impacts and policy responses to this dynamic situation, in particular in Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Antimicrobial resistance: frequently asked questions

Read the frequently asked questions about antimicrobial resistance published by WHO.

Reducing cancer: international community moves from resolution to action

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and its partners, including WHO, have developed a resolution that specifies the actions governments and societies should take to reduce preventable deaths from cancer.

Prognostic and predictive markers in colorectal cancer: implications for clinical management

Efforts to find genetic patterns may offer the basis for identifying subgroups of colorectal cancer similar to those now used in breast cancer.

Scientists investigate how genetic factors influence depression

French researchers have been investigating the amygdala, a part of the brain that is hyperactive in individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression, and have found that genetic factors have an influence on patient's cerebral activity.

Patient perspective on antimicrobial resistance – a video documentary

This year, a new video produced by Euronews in collaboration with ECDC features real life examples of the experiences of patients affected by resistant bacteria.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2011: ECDC releases new surveillance data and real life stories of patients with resistant bacteria

On the occasion of the 4th European Antibiotic Awareness Day, ECDC releases new European-wide surveillance data on antibiotic resistance from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net).

Long-term mental health care for people with severe mental disorders

The provision of long-term mental health care for people with severe mental disorders has been, and still is, one of the major challenges for mental health systems reform in the last decades, for various reasons.

Wideo na temat praw pacjentów w transgranicznej opiece medycznej

Film zawiera przegląd unijnych przepisów, które wyjaśniają prawo pacjentów do leczenia w innym kraju UE i do zwrotu kosztów.

Film o chorobach rzadkich

Wideo prezentuje europejskie inicjatywy dotyczące chorób rzadkich oraz wypowiedzi komisarza ds. zdrowia i konsumentów Johna Dalliego, który uczestniczył w dorocznej konferencji poświęconej tym chorobom.

Role of stem cells in mammary gland development

A European team of scientists has identified new populations of breast stem cells that guarantee the creation, expansion and maintenance of the diverse cell lineages of the mammary gland during pregnancy and throughout life

Commission organised journalist workshop on organ donation and transplantation

On 18th October, the European Commission organised a second journalist workshop on organ donation and transplantation in Europe. The programme, contacts, testimony and articles are available on the European Commission dedicated web-page.

ECHI - Indicators on breast, cervical and colon cancer screening updated

Minister calls for new approaches on antipsychotic drugs reduction

Last November the Department of Health set a target to reduce antipsychotic prescriptions to people with dementia by two thirds in a year.

Stress code in the spotlight

Researchers at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom have identified a specific protein generated by the brain in response to stress. Their findings could help boost our understanding of stress-related psychiatric diseases in people, particularly in knowing how the human brain deals with stress and how it eases its impact.

Women and cancer: screening and treatment save lives

One in five women in the WHO European Region will get cancer before the age of 75.

Press pack - Cluster meeting of projects in the area of rare diseases (Luxembourg, 25 – 26 October 2011)

The European Commission Public Health Programme defines rare diseases as life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them. The term low prevalence is later defined as generally meaning fewer than 1 in 2,000 people.

IQ rises and falls during teenage years

Teenage years are all about changes in development, hormones and stress. But that is not all. New research from the United Kingdom shows how the intelligence quotient (IQ), a score generated from one of several different standardised tests designed to assess intelligence, can either significantly rise or fall during adolescence.

Orphanet Report on rare disease research, its determinants in Europe and the way forward

Study suggests chemotherapy during pregnancy won't affect baby

Scientists in Belgium, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands have discovered that the development of the babies' mental processes as well as the normal functioning of their hearts remains intact.

Blood, tissues and organs

Second Journalist Workshop - Organ donation and transplantation Programme and list of contact points available

Global Mental Health 2011

The subjects of the papers were chosen after consultation with the Movement for Global Mental Health, an international coalition of professionals and the public that is committed to improving access to mental health care and promoting the human rights of people affected by mental illness worldwide.

Scientists say high blood pressure could raise cancer risk

Researchers in Europe have discovered that high blood pressure potentially raises the risk of developing cancer or dying from the disease.

European Medicines Agency releases qualification opinion on diagnosis of pre-dementia Alzheimer's for public consultation

The European Medicines Agency is seeking opinions from the public on a qualification opinion describing a biomarker to help identify patients who can be recruited for clinical trials of treatments for early Alzheimer's disease.

Epigenetic impact on neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are influenced by epigenetic processes, new research from the United Kingdom shows.

Self-assessed poor health could be an indicator of dementia risk

People who rate their health as poor or fair are significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life according to a study published online in Neurology

World Mental Health Day – 10 October

The time to remind ourselves and others that mental health is an important aspect of general health – a value that should not be underestimated. The workplace can be a particularly important setting to maintain good mental health through both prevention of psychosocial risks and promotion of mental health.

One in four people will require mental health care

New figures from the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2011 indicate that while the need for mental health care is large, with up to 25% of the population requiring it at some point in their lives, there is underinvestment in the sector.

Join the Council of Europe to celebrate European Day for Organ Donation & Transplantation (EODD)

The need for organ transplants is increasing worldwide. The ongoing lack of available organs has resulted in an increase in the number of patients on the waiting list.

Connection between healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders

An international team of researchers partially funded by the EU has uncovered new information linking healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Breast cancer: the advantage of early detection

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women both in developed and developing countries.

EUCERD Report: Health indicators for rare diseases II - Conceptual framework for monitoring quality of care

Research advances understanding of nerve cell death in Alzheimer’s

Scientists have moved forward in their understanding of how nerve cells are killed during Alzheimer’s disease, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience

Medical Tourism: Treatments, Markets and Health System Implications: A scoping review

International trade in health services, including its most prominent component ‘medical tourism’, has attracted a great deal of policy interest and media attention in recent years.

Delivering affordable cancer care in high-income countries

The burden of cancer is growing rapidly, and the disease is becoming a major challenge for all developed countries.

Alzheimer's Society website wins top accolade

Alzheimer's Society’s website has been named as one of the top ten health and medical online sites in 2011.

World Alzheimer's Day

Every year on 21 September Alzheimer associations across the globe unite to recognise World Alzheimer's Day and 2011 will be no exception with events taking place internationally.

Spotlight on EU-funded projects on World Alzheimer's Day

Every year on 21 September on World Alzheimer's Day, sufferers of the condition around the world are honoured and recognised in a drive to push Alzheimer's research to the top of policymaker agendas.

Building a Highly Qualified Workforce for Health

As part of the overall joint action for the EU workforce for health, the EFN together with the Polish Nurses Association, a member of EFN, and the Department of Nurses and Midwives at Polish Ministry of Health, is organising a European debate of nurses and politicians on “Building a Highly Qualified Workforce for Health”.

Global analysis of breast and cervical cancer

the article provides the first global analysis, with findings that most new cases of breast cancer and cervical cancer occurred in developing countries, and there has been a surprising rise in diagnoses of women of reproductive age.

Researchers identify two-tier system in brain tumours

Presented in the journal Cancer Cell, the study reveals that based on the anomalies of their genetic material, ependymomas of the cerebellum are classified in two distinct subgroups: group A ependymomas, and group B ependymomas. The former assume negative characteristics while the latter have a positive prognosis.

Up to 27 million people living with undiagnosed dementia worldwide, says report

Three-quarters of the estimated 36 million people with dementia worldwide do not have a formal diagnosis, according to a major new report published.

Ex-smokers are Unstoppable! Commissioner Dalli presents next steps in the

Mr Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy presents the next phase in the EU-wide "Ex-smokers are Unstoppable" campaign. The campaign is about empowering people to quit smoking by showing the benefits of life without tobacco.

Alzheimer's Society urges people to sign up to Dementia Awareness Day’s Facebook page

Alzheimer's Society is supporting a new dementia awareness event, Dementia Awareness Day (DAD), which is taking place on Saturday 17 September 2011.

Public not aware of simple steps they can take to reduce risk of dementia, according to new research study

Only one in ten people realise that taking regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce their risk of developing dementia, according to a survey commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa.

Touch-screen test could play role in diagnosis of dementia

The touch screen test - CANTAB - which involves a visual memory test will be trialled by a UK GP Commissioning Board. It will be made available to people aged over 50 who either self-refer to their family doctor, or who are advised to do so by a carer, with suspected Alzheimer's disease.

Organ donations: The gift of life

Despite the EU Action Plan on organ donation, there are still sharp differences in the levels of donations and successful transplants between member states. Euranet investigates the current system of organ donation and asks what can be done to improve it.

Launched the Task Force on Patient Safety

Health First Europe together with Task Force Patron MEP Christofer Fjellner (EPP, Sweden), launched the Task Force on Patient Safety to demand more stringent recommendations for Member States with regards to the safety of patients.

More than one in ten of the world’s adult population is obese

Obesity increases the risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.

Securing quality cancer care: Governments must step up to the plate

The OECD recently made a cross-country analysis of how cancer care systems work in an attempt to explain variations in cancer survival in Europe.

Higher density of blood vessels could point to Alzheimer’s

A higher density of blood vessels in the brain could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease according to research published in the Public Library of Science ONE online.

Think yourself better

In oncology, the contribution of the human touch which alternative medical treatments offer, and the placebo effect they induce, can be easy to overlook.

Scientists find elusive gene responsible for rare congenital disease

A Franco-British team of researchers has discovered a mysterious gene responsible for the extremely rare congenital Grey Platelet Syndrome that causes a bleeding disease.

Unshackling progress in the care of childhood cancers

A meeting held in the run up to International Childhood Cancer Day reviewed how well we are doing to help young cancer patients.

The European Patients' Forum to coordinate an "Innovative Medicines Initative" project about patients information on pharmaceuticals

IMI-funded 'European Patients Academy on Therapeutic Innovation' aims to educate patient advocates and lay public about therapeutic innovation.

WHO Europe: New tool to help hospitals prepare for emergencies

The tool can help hospital administrators and emergency managers to respond effectively to the most likely disaster and crisis scenarios.

Study examines method for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at The University of Manchester have discovered that measurements of brain activity could be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild memory problems.

The European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases: August Newsletter

Orphanet is the reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orphanet’s aim is to help improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with rare diseases. It publishes a bi-monthly newsletter which gives an overview of scientific and political current affairs in the field of rare diseases and orphan drugs.

Zaproszenie do składania wniosków w ramach inicjatywy w zakresie leków innowacyjnych

Wspólna inicjatywa technologiczna w zakresie leków innowacyjnych (IMI JU) to paneuropejskie partnerstwo publiczno-prywatne, którego celem jest promowane współpracy między zainteresowanymi partnerami, począwszy od dużych i małych przedsiębiorstw z branży biofarmaceutycznej i opieki zdrowotnej po organy nadzoru, uczelnie i pacjentów.

Book published about personal experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease

Norm Mcnamara has written about his experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease in the book entitled “Me and My Alzheimer’s”. Mr McNamara said, “At the age of 50yrs old I was diagnosed with Alzheimers, I am now 53yrs old and have every intention of beating it!!

Study explores the effectiveness of music intervention against agitated behaviour in people with dementia

A study on 100 elderly people with dementia has found that agitated behaviour can be alleviated by group music intervention.

Peptides for fighting ovarian cancer developed by EU-funded researchers

A team of German and Italian EU-funded scientists has designed peptides that can target the protein-protein interface of an enzyme that plays a key part in the DNA synthesis crucial for cancer growth.

Launch of EU-funded 'ecancerHub' website

A new hub of information for those affected by cancer has just been launched, providing an open-access, integrated approach to providing the whole cancer community with high-quality and trustworthy information.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Results of an international survey reveal that over 85% of respondents in the five countries surveyed say that if they were exhibiting confusion and memory loss, they would want to see a doctor to determine if the cause of the symptoms was Alzheimer’s disease.

2011 Report on the State of the Art of Rare Diseases Activities in Europe - European Union Committe of Experts on Rare Diseases

This report covers activities up to the end of 2010. The report is composed of 3 parts which are now available via the EUCERD website.

Three year programme launched for the development of donation & transplantation activities

Promoting and improving the organisation of organ donation and transplantation at a European level is a real concern and the subject of much effort by the Council of Europe since 1987. Over the last few years, the Council of Europe has implemented several projects, mainly directed towards the development of effective legislative frameworks and the establishment of national transplant authorities and programmes.

New way to reverse the effects of memory decline discovered, research says

A hypertension drug could reverse the effects of memory decline.

Research leading the way in the fight to reduce antipsychotics for people with dementia

Three groundbreaking, Alzheimer's Society-supported clinical trials are helping in the fight to reduce the unacceptable levels of inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotics for people with dementia

Study uncovers new Parkinson's gene

Researchers led by the Medical University of Vienna in Austria have identified a new gene called VPS35 that impacts Parkinson's disease.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Results from Europe and U.S. highlight interest in early diagnosis despite wide fear of and familiarity with the condition.

Public consultation opens on the revised guideline on good distribution practice of medicinal products for human use

The guideline was revised to take into account developments in the storage and distribution of medicinal products in the European Union and to meet new requirements for wholesale distributors and brokers established in the new Directive 2011/62/EU on falsified medicines. Comments and suggestions are invited by 31 December 2011.

European Medicines Agency plans public access to information on side effects

The European Medicines Agency has published its plans for granting public access to the information held in its databases of the potential side effects of human and veterinary medicines.

Study finds link between dementia and wide range of health problems

Improving and maintaining health factors not traditionally associated with dementia, such as denture fit, vision and hearing, may lower a person’s risk for developing dementia according to a new study

Myeloma Euronet’s new Annual Report is available now!

MYELOMA EURONET, a non-profit network organisation of multiple Myeloma patient groups, is a European initiative dedicated to raising the awareness of multiple Myeloma, an increasingly common form of bone marrow cancer.

Latest research shows how cancer cells react to chemotherapy

EU-funded researchers have made good progress in understanding how cancer cells can sometimes resist the effects of chemotherapy.

Alzheimer Europe newsletter

Alzheimer Europe newsletter covering activities as well as interesting developments in the dementia field in June 2011.

EU-funded scientists develop new approaches to fight Alzheimer's

Earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is one step closer thanks to a team of EU-funded researchers that has developed novel approaches for measuring biomarkers for diagnostics, and a sophisticated system for integrating the information analytically.

Dementia not taken seriously enough according to poll

Dementia is the most joked about medical condition according to an Alzheimer's Society commissioned poll.

Rare genetic condition tracked down with potential new biomarker

An EU-funded team of researchers from Canada, Germany and Poland has made new headway in research into the genetic condition neurofibromatosis (NF1).

Publication of the new legislation to fight against falsified medicines

Following adoption by the Council and the European Parliament, the new legislation on falsified medicines was published on 1 July in the Official Journal of the European Union. The new legislation, which will be applicable on 2 January 2013, is the outcome of the legal proposal that the Commission put forward in December 2008. It introduces tougher rules to improve the protection of public health with new harmonised, pan-European measures to ensure that medicines are safe and that the trade in medicines is rigorously controlled.

Alzheimer's Society launches competition to put dementia in the frame

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on amateur and professional photographers to capture what it is like to live with dementia as the charity launches a competition ahead of Dementia Awareness Week.

Patients need information. Is that clear?

The urgent quest for novel cancer treatments engages much of our attention, but could we be overlooking other opportunities for increasing patients’ survival and quality of life?

Study shows how brain rhythms impact learning

The faster you move, the stronger your brain rhythms related to learning become, new research from Germany and the United States shows. Published in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) ONE, the findings will help fuel scientists' understanding of how brain functions are instrumental in human learning and navigation.

Inequity in cancer care: a global perspective

This publication focuses on the issue of inequality in cancer care, focusing on access to prevention, screening, palliative and treatment services.

Cinnamon can delay development of Alzheimer’s, according to study

An extract found in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that can delay the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the journal PloS One.

Abandonment of treatment for childhood cancer

Almost 80% of children with cancer in resourcerich countries can be cured by timely, intensive multimodality treatment and robust supportive care.1,2 However, only 20% of the world’s children with cancer live in these countries;3 the remaining 80% reside in resource-poor nations and have a substantially lower chance of survival.

Route Map gives new priority to dementia research

Route Map provides the opportunity of a generation to not only transform the face of dementia research but also to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with dementia.

Scientists find link between master gene and neurodegenerative disorders

An international team of scientists, funded in part by a European Research Council (ERC) grant under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), has discovered a master gene that controls both the lysosomes that break up the debris as well as the cellular compartments that encapsulate the material and fuse with lysosomes to completely dispose of the debris.

Wideo: UE zwalcza podrabiane leki

Obejrzyj film o zagrożeniach związanych z podrabianymi lekami i o działaniach UE mających na celu zapewnić nam jak najwyższy poziom ochrony zdrowia.

Dobrowolne oddawanie tkanek i komórek

Z opublikowanego dzisiaj raportu wynika, że niemal we wszystkich państwach członkowskich istnieją przepisy regulujące bezpłatne i dobrowolne dawstwo komórek i tkanek.

Atlas of headache disorders and resources in the world 2011

The Atlas of headache disorders presents the findings of the first global enquiry into headache disorders and health-care resource allocation. It provides a comprehensive compilation of information gathered from 101 countries.

ECDC stresses importance of getting vaccinated before attending mass gathering events

These large gatherings presents a unique situation where the spread of infectious diseases can be facilitated due to the huge number of people, originating from different countries and congregating in space and time.

Implant could have benefits for long term memory problems

Scientists have created an electrical device that can record and play back signals in the brain of rats associated with memory according to a study published in the Journal of Neural Engineering.

EU-funded project gives boost to vaccine innovation

The development of new effective vaccines is a constant requirement in the global battle against life-threatening diseases.

New ressource for rare diseases and orphan drugs

Orphadata is a new service from Orphanet that aims to provide the scientific community with a comprehensive, high-quality and freely-accessible dataset related to rare diseases and orphan drugs, in a reusable format. The data available on Orphadata is extracted from the Orphanet database of rare diseases and orphan

Comparing Orphan and Non-Orphan Clinical Trials

A recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) discussed a comparison of clinical trials for orphan vs. non-orphan oncology drugs.

Detecting myeloma: Increased doctor awareness could shorten unnecessary and painful patient odyssey

Patients suffering from multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer affecting more than 80,000 people in Europe, have to wait more than six months on average before their disease is detected, about one in four has to see at least four doctors, and more than one in three has to be treated for pain before myeloma diagnosis.

Blood donations save lives

This year on World Blood Donor Day, people are encouraged to give blood to save lives.

Commission proposes to revamp rules to protect EU workers from harmful electromagnetic fields

A proposal to update and improve EU rules to protect workers from electromagnetic fields in their daily tasks has just been put forward by the European Commission. The rules are to protect workers like doctors and nurses giving patients magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI), people working with radar, welders and workers reparing power lines. The proposal would replace the current Directive (2004/40/EC).

Alzheimer Europe Newsletter

The Alzheimer Europe newsletter covering activities as well as interesting developments in the dementia field in May 2011

High-impact alpha-particles therapy sends metastases in remission

The research offers a hope for patients suffering from neuro-endocrine cancer who do not respond well to standard therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and certain types of radiotherapy.

European Commission announces an extra €10 million to provide life-saving vaccines

New funding to help immunize millions of people against preventable diseases will be pledged on Monday, 13 June, by EU Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs.

How frog skin could hold the secret to cancer treatment

Proteins found in frog skins could soon be an instrumental part of treatment for over 70 serious conditions including cancer and diabetes, according to new research from scientists at Queen's University Belfast in the United Kingdom.

New approaches to treating gastro-oesophageal cancer

Robust evidence on the value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, together with more effective imaging modalities, are opening up new options for gastro-oesophageal cancer.

A call to action on the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia

The Dementia Action Alliance has launched a call to action on the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia.

It's never too late to learn

Qualified nurses seeking extra support in learning how to deal with people who are very distressed and disturbed can breathe a sigh of relief.

Binge drinking and its adverse impact on memory

Does alcohol consumption affect our ability to learn verbal information? New research has found a connection between binge drinking and poorer verbal declarative memory — a form of long—term memory.

Elektromagnetyczne pola częstotliwości radiowych mogą powodować nowotwory

Międzynarodowa Agencja Badań nad Rakiem Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (IARC) zaklasyfikowała elektromagnetyczne pola częstotliwości radiowych jako czynnik mogący powodować nowotwory u ludzi, z uwagi na zwiększone ryzyko wystąpienia glejaka, złośliwego nowotwora mózgu związanego z korzystaniem w telefonu komórkowego.

European Week Against Cancer: A joint commitment to prevent cancer

European Commission allocates EUR 6 million to clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease

Within the context of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the European Commission has awarded EUR 6 million to an international research consortium known as NILVAD. The aim of the consortium is to develop a new Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Innovative device offers earlier breast-cancer detection

A team of EU-funded researchers has developed a new type of mammogram technique using molecular imaging which could help detect breast cancer earlier.

Scientists find connection between DNA region and depression

Scientists from King's College London in the United Kingdom have found a 'glitch' in human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that may increase people's chances of suffering from depression.

Scientists find link between cell migration and cancer metastasis

A two-man research team at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the United States has discovered how cells migrate in the developing brain and how other types of cells may travel inside the body.

Fighting antibiotic resistance in livestock and pets

Resistance to antibiotics in livestock and pets has become a huge issue in recent years. To cope with this growing problem and the consequent treatment failures, Parliament issued a call on Thursday for more research and better monitoring of the effects of antimicrobials on food-producing animals and pets.

'Virtual' patient-support groups: use with caution

How we seek advice when faced with difficult and troubling problems has changed thanks to the Internet. New research from a team of German scientists has investigated these new patterns of communication by analysing how patients with prostate cancer interacted online.

International Nurses’ Day – “Closing the Gap: Increasing Access & Equity”

On this very important day, celebrating the nurses' contribution to the society, the European Federation of Nurses' Associations (EFN) would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of nurses in the access for all citizens to high quality and safe healthcare.

ECDC releases new web pages on the Surveillance of Healthcare-associated Infections

On the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day, 5th May, ECDC is releasing new web pages dedicated to the Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance Network (HAI-Net). HAI-Net is a European network for HAI surveillance, coordinated by ECDC.

Clean care is safer care

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most simple and effective ways to reduce health care-associated infections. For the third consecutive year, WHO is raising global awareness about hand hygiene in patient care to reduce the known burden of these infections.

Celebrating the Essential Work of Midwives

Today, on the International Day of the Midwife, UNFPA joins with the International Confederation of Midwives and other partners to recognize the vital role midwives play in the global challenge to ensure that no woman dies giving life.

Alcohol blamed for cancers

A fresh analysis of cancer rates in Australia suggests alcohol is to blame for many more cases than previously thought.

New research works towards early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

An international team of researchers has moved forward the development of diagnostic biomarkers for degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's.

Breast cancer gene discovery 'like finding gold'

Breast cancer researchers have found three more genes linked to the most common form of breast cancer, which they have alikened to "finding gold".

Online calculator for melanoma risk

Melbourne doctors have created a skin cancer calculator for people to work out their risk of getting a melanoma in the next five years.

Monitoring of products originating from Japan for the possibility of radioactivity

The European Medicines Agency is working with its European and international regulatory partners to monitor and evaluate the possible risk of radioactive contamination of medicines manufactured in Japan following the radiation leak from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Traditional herbal medicines: more safety for products put on EU market

From tomorrow, EU citizens can be reassured that the traditional herbal medicines they buy in the EU are safe and effective. The expiry of the 7 year transition period set out in the 2004 Herbal Directive (2004/24/EC) means that only medicinal products which have been registered or authorised can remain on the EU market after 1 May 2011.

Cancer breath test 'step closer'

A breath test that can sniff-out cancer is a step closer to reality, according to a preliminary study.

New criteria and guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease published

Three expert international workgroups convened by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) have issued the first new criteria and guidelines to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in 27 years.

Paola Testori Coggi, Director General of DG Health and Consumers, explains the Herbals Directive

On 30 April 2011, the period granted for herbal medicines to be registered will expire. This deadline brings to an end a seven year period allowed by a Directive adopted in 2004. The Director General of the European Commission for Health and Consumers explains the situation in order to address certain concerns expressed by citizens in the European Union.

A call to action on NCDs - Lancet article

A call to action for governments to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes was announced in The Lancet.

Scientists find connection between obesity and breast cancer

A common 'mantra' we hear daily is 'Watch your weight, watch what you eat'. Doing so helps lower our risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death. But we may have another reason for it as well.

5th European Patients' Rights Day (18 April 2011)

Putting Citizens at the center of Health Policy begins with guaranteeing patients rights are respected. The reinforcement of Patients' rights will become effective only with the cooperation and commitment of all healthcare stakeholders in every EU country.

Cross-border health care in the European Union. Mapping and analysing practices and policies

Cross-border health care is a growing phenomenon in the European Union. When in need of medical treatment, patients increasingly act as informed consumers who claim the right to choose their own providers, including those beyond borders.

Molecular switch affects panic disorder

Panic disorder sufferers will tell you the attacks are some of the most sudden, frightening and uncomfortable experiences ever. But what makes some people susceptible to these attacks and others not? Studies of twins point to hereditary factors playing a key role in 40% of cases

How anti-depressants work: new discoveries could improve depression treatment

EU-funded researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London in the UK, have discovered for the first time in a human model how anti-depressants make new brain cells, meaning that researchers can now develop better and more efficient drugs to combat depression

Changes in the brain could be detected decade before Alzheimer's symptoms are seen

Brain shrinkage could act as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease around 10 years before symptoms begin to be seen according to a study published in Neurology.

Doctors talk openly about their medical errors in ‘When Healthcare Hurts’

In the book, some well-established Dutch physicians talk about their medical errors, where they are not proud of, but that forms an inherent part of their professionalism. They talk openly about how they faced the consequences of theircontribute to a culture where it is normal to talk constructively with each other about the darker side of healthcare, about the vulnerability and fallibility of providers.

ECDC marks World Health Day 2011 with situation update on antimicrobial resistance in Europe

Antimicrobial resistance was the focus of World Health Day 2011, 7 April. On this occasion, ECDC Director Marc Sprenger presented the ‘Situation update on antibiotic resistance’ to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Health professional mobility on the European agenda

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stressed yesterday in Budapest the relevance of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel for the European Union (EU) and wider WHO European Region.

World Health Day: fight against antimicrobial resistance must continue on a global scale

This year's World Health Day focuses on the growing threat of potentially deadly bacteria developing resistance to antimicrobial drugs - especially to antibiotics. The Commission joins the World Health Organisation in calling for strengthened efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, which is a global health hazard.

EU Cooperation to reduce the health worker migration

Health worker migration is threatening the health services, therefore, Member States have to find a common solution, EU health ministers declared at their two-day informal meeting in Gödöllő on 4-5 April

Report: Differences in costs of and access to pharmaceutical products in the EU

This report reviews the differences in the prices of pharmaceuticals among Member States

Stress prevention approach for home care services (FR)

CIDES has published a guide on the prevention of psychosocial risks in home care

Recommendations on labelling and packaging for non-prescription medicines released for consultation

The European Medicines Agency has released recommendations on pack design and labelling for centrally authorised non-prescription human medicinal products for a three-month public consultation period

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE” wydanie 68 – Oporność na środki przeciwdrobnoustrojowe: konieczność współpracy międzynarodowej

Pricing and reimbursement of medicines: Commission consults on EU transparency rules

The European Commission has launched a public consultation in view of modernising rules on the transparency of Member States’ decisions regarding the pricing and reimbursement of medicines.

Zdrowie: Komisja ogłasza trzecią edycję nagrody dla dziennikarzy

W dniu dzisiejszym rozpoczęła się rejestracja uczestników trzeciej edycji konkursu dla dziennikarzy „Zdrowie UE”. Celem tej nagrody jest promowanie zagadnień związanych ze zdrowiem poprzez prezentację talentów najlepszych dziennikarzy zajmujących się tematyką zdrowia z 27 państw członkowskich.

European Medicines Agency published a brochure on its work with patients and consumers

The European Medicines Agency is responsible for the evaluation and marketing recommendation of medicines within the European Union. In a bid to be transparent, the Agency is widenning the scope of its interaction with patients organisations.

Newspaper Articles about Mental Health at Workplaces: Cate miliarde de euro costa depresia la locul de munca

Wall-street Journal. Cat pierde Europa din cauza problemelor de sanatate mentala si cum pot fi atenuate acestea s-a discutat in cadrul conferintei “Promovarea sanatatii mentale si a starii de bine la locul de munca”, organizata de Comisia Europeana la Berlin.

The World Health Organisation on Mental health in economic crises

Following the economic crisis that began in 2007, the European Region has experienced changes – a rise in unemployment, an increasing number of people living in poverty, and cuts in public spending – that are detrimental to mental health.

Call for proposals launched to promote local initiatives to promote a better quality of life for people with dementia and carers launched

A group of foundations have launched the ‘Living well with Dementia in the Community Awards’ in order to improve perceptions of dementia and to stimulate solidarity at the local level. The aim of the Initiative is to contribute to a better quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

Publication: Priority risk groups for influenza vaccination

This study follows a request from the European Commission to the European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control to provide scientific public health information and advice concerning risk groups for immunisation in Europe.

European Commission Report on Voluntary and Unpaid Donation of Blood and Blood Components

This report shows that Member States overall are taking the necessary measures to encourage voluntary and unpaid blood donations.

WHO prioritises environmental and occupational cancer risks

"Decreasing, and eventually eliminating the exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens is the most effective way to prevent a number of cancers," according to the World Health Organization in a press release following a meeting in Asturias, Spain, 17-18 March 2011.

Pharmaceuticals: the EU Register of Clinical Trials is launched Online

The EU Clinical Trials database gives the public access to information on the thousands of authorised pharmaceutical clinical trials that are underway in the EU.

Vaccination programmes essential to successful infectious disease control

The success of vaccination programmes has resulted in a significant decline of many infectious diseases across Europe over the years.

Alzheimer's Society website shortlisted for best website in prestigious science communications awards

Alzheimer’s Society website has been nominated for an award at the prestigious Association of Medical Research Charities’ (AMRC) Science Communication Awards 2011.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE”: W ramach walki ze sfałszowanymi lekami UE wprowadza zaostrzone przepisy dotyczące produktów farmaceutycznych

Produkcja sfałszowanych lekarstw i handel nimi stanowią poważne zagrożenie dla zdrowia publicznego. Terminu „fałszowanie” używa się w tym kontekście, aby wprowadzić rozróżnienie między tym problemem a naruszaniem praw własności intelektualnej, określanym jako „podrabianie”.

A new total of 23 unique projects to boost drug innovation

The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), currently the largest public-private partnership in the biopharmaceutical sector, launches its second wave of research projects which address key areas including cancer, immune-mediated diseases, infectious disorders and electronic health.

Statement on Mental Health Policy Issues from the Federation of European Academies of Medicine

The present report draws on discussion from a Prague meeting organised in 2009 by FEAM (Federation of European Academies of Medicine) to review some of the critical issues in contemporary psychiatry and is intended to provide advice to decision-makers at the EU and national levels in developing a more coherent policy for mental health.

Immunization in Europe “at crossroads”

Vaccines and immunization have contributed to dramatic health improvements in the WHO European Region, particularly among children.

Rzadkie, ale o takich samych prawach

Prawie 30 mln Europejczyków cierpi na rzadkie schorzenia. Diagnoza może być kluczem do pokonania nierówności.

Automatic recognition of professional qualifications extended to specialists in medical oncology and medical genetics

Medical specialists in oncology and genetics are now automatically recognised throughout the EU. No aptitude test or probation period can be imposed on them if they have qualified in another member country.

World Health Day 2011 will be dedicated to Antibiotic resistance

The health of people in Europe is threatened by a growing phenomenon: bacteria that cause common and life-threatening infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics – the medicines used to treat them.

Hungarian Presidency of the Council on the adoption of the cross-border healthcare directive

At its meeting on 28 February, the Council adopted a healthcare directive for both intra-European and “cross-border” applications, meaning the legislation designed to strengthen patients’ rights substantially, will shortly come into force.

Scientists develop innovative technology to fight cancer

EU-funded researchers continue the good fight against cancer. A Dutch team has succeeded in boosting chemotherapy dosage to tumours with the possibility of easing harmful side effects.

Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on 'The potential of telehealth for patients in Europe'

John DALLI, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends the CeBIT 2011 Conference (digital industry) in Hannover, Germany, 01 March 2011.

Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on European colorectal cancer policy

On 2nd March 2011, John DALLI, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, participated in a roundtable debate at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

After final approval from the Council, the Directive on cross-border healthcare is now adopted

The Council of the European Union approved the European Parliament's amendments on a draft directive aimed at facilitating access to safe and high-quality cross-border healthcare and promoting cooperation on healthcare between member states.

Blocking fake medicines

Viagra, anti-malarial tablets, painkillers are all increasingly being purchased via the Internet. However there is a risk that what you buy may not be what it appears. So what is being done to stop the sale of fake medicines?

Good manufacturing practice database expands access to all Member States

Now a new version of the database has been developed that offers public access to information on manufacturing inspection by regulatory authorities from all the European Economic Area countries.

Resolution on pharmacy prepared medicinal products adopted by the Council of Europe

News quoted in the Orpha News Europe. Resolution on quality and safety assurance requirements for medicinal products prepared in pharmacies for the special needs of patients was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 19 January.

Rare diseases and Inequality…

A perspective from the European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases.

Rare Diseases Day: Survey shows strong public support for European cooperation on rare diseases

Rare diseases cause great suffering to many EU citizens. Up to 36 million Europeans are affected, and need proper diagnosis and treatment.

Eurobarometer on European awareness of rare diseases

The report examines Europeans’ awareness and knowledge of rare diseases and their support for policy initiatives actions taken at national and European level.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE” nr 65 – Dobrze poinformowani pacjenci = bezpieczna transgraniczna opieka zdrowotna

WHO/Europe on antimicrobial resistance

Today, modern health care depends on antimicrobial drugs to prevent and treat infections. Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health care sector’s ability to control infections efficiently.

Cisi mordercy

PE domaga się lepszej kontroli, obowiązkowych zabezpieczeń oraz stworzenia akredytowanych stron internetowych pomocnych w walce z fałszowanymi lekami.

Podrabiane leki: PE przyjął przepisy zwiększające ochronę pacjentów

Posłowie przyjęli projekt dyrektywy, która ma zapobiec wprowadzaniu do obrotu podrabianych leków. Nowymi przepisami objęta zostanie także internetowa sprzedaż lekarstw, w przypadku której dyrektywa przewiduje dodatkowe zabezpieczenia i możliwość śledzenia dostaw. Pojawią się także sankcje nakładane na osoby wprowadzające podrobione leki do obrotu.

Wspomnienie: Lecznie transgraniczne

Nowe prawo dotyczące leczenia transgranicznego wyjaśnia, kto ma prawo do takiego leczenia i kto pokryje koszty.

Questions & Answers: Directive on falsified medicines

What are falsified medicines and why are they a problem in the EU? What is the difference between falsified and counterfeit medicines? What is the aim of this Directive?

Statement by John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy on the adoption by the European Parliament of a Directive on Falsified Medicines

A new EU law on falsified medicines was adopted today in the European Parliament.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE” wydanie 64 – Badania przesiewowe w kierunku raka jelita grubego: nowe wytyczne UE

Childhood cancer research needs urgent boost, study shows

Funding for childhood cancer research is too low and too dependent on short-term grants to maintain the improvements in survival rates seen in recent decades.

Health care for EU citizens in all member states - Video from the EPP

The European Parliament has voted to approve a package of measures designed to enable Europeans to get treatment in another EU member state if they face an undue delay at home.

The Voice of 12,000 Patients - Rare diseases

A book about rare diseases. To go beyond patients’ anecdotes and investigate experience-based opinions in a quantitative way, the EurordisCare2 and EurordisCare3 surveys were conducted. These surveys investigated patients’ experiences and expectations regarding access to diagnosis and to health services, for a variety of significantly relevant rare diseases across Europe.

Rare Diseases videos

Watch videos about rare diseases. You can also share a video or photo of your own or that of others living with a rare disease.

Rare Disease Day 2011: Focus health inequalities 28 February

Rare Disease Day is intended to increase awareness of rare diseases amongst the general public, European, national and local health authorities and policy makers, health professionals, researchers, academics, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as well as the media.

Race against time to develop new antibiotics

Infectious agents are becoming increasingly resistant to medicines and not enough new drugs are being developed to combat such resistance.

Factsheets on organ donation and transplant by country

Following the Eurobarometer survey carried out about organ donation and transplantation, results are compiled in country-specific factsheets.

Eurobarometer - Organ donation and transplantation

This Eurobarometer survey includes questions on behaviours and attitudes in relation to organ donation and transplantation. It is based on a Eurobarometer survey of 26,788 European citizens carried out in October 2009 in the 27 European Union Member States, as well as 3,504 interviews in the candidate countries

Cancer linked with poor nutrition

A large body of literature indicates that as much as 30% of all cancer cases is linked to poor dietary habits, and is therefore preventable.

The European Medicines Agency supports World Cancer Day

The Agency plays a key role in the authorisation of medicines to treat cancer.

New EU-funded cancer research projects

To mark World Cancer Day, this news alert outlines some of the 19 new cancer research projects which will be financed by the European Union to the tune of almost €95 million. With this new investment, EU financial support for cancer research since 2003 amounts to close to €1 billion, funding 183 projects.

EU project to improve follow-up care after childhood cancer

Childhood cancer survivors, though being 'cured' of cancer, often experience late physical and psychological effects secondary to their cancer or its treatment.

New physical activity guidance can help reduce risk of breast, colon cancers

Just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week can reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers. This is according to the new Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health released by WHO today on World Cancer Day.

Q&A: Registration of Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products

What are Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products? Why did the EU decide to adopt specific legislation on traditional herbal medicinal products? What does the deadline of 30 April 2011 represent for manufacturers of traditional herbal medicinal products? Does the Herbal Directive impose new requirements for the placing on the market of traditional herbal medicinal products? Would these requirements be too burdensome for small and medium-sized enterprises and reduce access for Chinese and Ayurvedic medicinal products?

Q&A: European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis

Today, the European Commission published new European guidelines on quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening. Similar guidelines have already been developed for breast and cervical cancer screening to promote safe, equitable, reliable and cost-effective services which maximise benefits to those attending screening whilst, at the same time, minimising adverse effects.

Press Release: New EU Guidelines on Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer in the EU. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the EU, accounting for one in seven new cancers and one in eight cancer deaths. Improving diagnosis and screening is key to reduce the mortality rates from colorectal cancer.

European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis

Today, on the eve of World Cancer Day, the European Commission publishes the first edition of the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.

European Parliament adopts Resolution on a European initiative to combat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

At its plenary sitting of 19 January 2011, the European Parliament adopted Marisa Matias’ motion for a resolution on a European initiative to combat Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative disease.

Genetic research offers hope of improved treatment for Huntington's disease

Research led by the University of Leicester in the UK has raised hopes about possible new treatments for devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease, for which there is currently no cure.

Europe boosts cross-border cancer research

In Europe, a major step forward in cross-border cancer research has been taken with the recent launch of EUROCANPLATFORM ('A European platform for translational cancer research'), an EU-funded project aiming to streamline all aspects of cancer research in Europe.

Alzheimer priorytetem UE?

Dlatego europosłowie chcą by UE uznała demencję jako swój priorytet w dziedzinie zdrowia. We wtorek, 18 stycznia, odbędzie się debata na sesji plenarnej na ten temat.

Prawa pacjenta w transgranicznej opiece zdrowotnej

Pytania i Odpowiedzi: Prawa Pacjenta w Transgranicznej Opiece Zdrowotnej

Chory na cukrzycę starszy pan z Niemiec zabiera ze sobą w podróż do Włoch dodatkowe recepty, ale czy aptekarz je przyjmie?

Parlament Europejski zagłosował dziś za przyjęciem unijnej dyrektywy w sprawie praw pacjenta w transgranicznej opiece zdrowotnej.

Oświadczenie Johna Dallego, komisarza ds. zdrowia i polityki konsumenckiej, dotyczące unijnej dyrektywy w sprawie praw pacjenta w transgranicznej opiece zdrowotnej.

Winner of the EU Health Prize for Journalism in 2009 writes about flu - in French

The journalist winner of the EU Health Prize for Journalism, first edition (2009 - Estelle Saget), wrote "Questions and Answers" about influenza and vaccination. Available in French only.

Call to act on Alzheimer’s disease

The EU should step up co-operation and support to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, said Parliament on Wednesday.

Victory for people with Alzheimer's

People at all stages of Alzheimer’s will now be able to access drugs on the NHS that can slow the progression of the disease.

Europarl TV video: Facing memory loss

Several million Europeans suffer from Alzheimer's. Europarltv video explains that MEPs take a stand in favour of more research into the disease in the EU.

Study points to potential new cancer drug

Scientists have uncovered details of the workings of a protein that both slows the spread of cancer and boosts the efficiency of chemotherapy.

New approach detects Alzheimer’s disease markers in the blood

Scientists have used a new approach to detect Alzheimer’s disease in the blood according to research published in the journal Cell

Drinking green tea could help prevent dementia, says study

Researchers tested the effect of a component of green tea, CAGTE once it had been digested, to see how it affected a key protein in Alzheimer's disease.

Psychological interventions key for keeping depression at bay

One of the most common mental health disorders among the elderly is depression, and things are not getting any easier since the ageing population continues to rise.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE” wydanie 61 – Nagroda dla dziennikarzy: Zdrowie UE 2010

World Health Organisation Europe: Start of influenza season

Preliminary information indicates that high-risk groups for severe or fatal illness identified during the pandemic remain at heightened risk, and that most of the fatal cases had not been vaccinated.

Study on Fundamental Rights of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities

The first part of the investigation involves collecting information about the laws and policies which affect the lives of people with mental health problems and people with intellectual disabilities in the following areas: Community living, Fundamental rights in institutions, Legal capacity and Access to justice.

High levels of ‘good’ cholesterol could lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study claims

High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, could lessen the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease in older adults, claims a study.

Interview with Commissioner Dalli by Moira Mizzi, finalist for Malta of the EU Health Prize for Journalists 2010

While in Brussels for the European Health Journalist Award ceremony, MOIRA MIZZI finds time to catch up with the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli to get to know more about what he has achieved during the first 10 months in office and about his plans and challenges for the coming years.

Council conclusions on investing in Europe's health workforce of tomorrow: Scope for innovation and collaboration [27 KB]

Following the Council meeting held 7th December 2010 in Brussels (Belgium), ministers of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs of the EU issued Council Conclusions on the EU health workforce. It invited Member States and the Commission to develop an action plan to support the development of Member States' policies in this area, notably in order to tackle health professionals' shortage, encourage mobility and exchange of best practice.

Scientists find cannabis compounds may promote cancer growth

Cannabis users take note: smoking marijuana may suppress your body's immune functions, increasing your risk of developing cancer or other infections, according to a new international study...

Scientists clarify nature of memory difficulties encountered in dementia

An international team of scientists has discovered that incomplete memories rather than memory loss is responsible for triggering mental confusion in patients with dementia.

European Parliament adopts a declaration on the fight against colorectal cancer

The European Parliament adopted the Written Declaration on the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer which calls for the implementation of measures across Europe to fight this. A majority of MEPs –– signed the Declaration, which was backed and promoted by ECPC – the European Cancer Patient Coalition through the Forum Against Cancer in Europe (FACE) initiative.

Read the winning articles of the EU Health prize for journalists 2010!

The booklet presents the winners of the edition 2010 and the winning articles of the 27 EU countries.

ECPC addresses the "missing link" in cancer prevention

The European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) with collaboration of the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) organized a debate on cancer and environmental causation.

EU Health Prize for Journalists 2010 – Winners announced!

On 30 November, the award-giving ceremony of the second EU Health Prize for Journalists awarded the prizes of the journalist competition in the presence of the finalists from the 27 EU countries, editors, and both national and EU jury members. Out of the 27 finalist articles from all EU countries, the first prize was awarded to the Italian nominees Gianluca Ferraris and Ilaria Molinari with the article "Stealing hope", to Lucie Hášová Truhelková from the Czech Republic with her article "Love Dwells in the Kidney" and to the Danish journalist team Kasper Krogh, Morten Crone, Line Holm Nielsen and Jesper Woldenhof for their article "The great failure".

European Commissioner 's Speech: "The Draft Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare: Moving Forward onHealth Inequalities, Patients Rights, Quality and Safety"

John DALLI, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends the European Patients' Forum and Belgian Presidency High-Level Roundtable event. Brussels, 01 December 2010

Report on a European Initiative

European Parliamentary committee adopts report on a European Initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Non communicable Diseases and Mental Health 2008-2013

The Cluster Strategy reviews the strategic directions adopted by the Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Cluster to address the noncommunicable conditions and malnutrition challenges and provides an outline of the expected outcomes for the Cluster during the period 2008-2013.

Council acts against adverse effects of medicines

The Council today adopted a regulation and a directive aimed at strengthening the EU system for the safety monitoring of medicinal products for human use ("pharmacoviligance"). This follows a first-reading agreement with the European Parliament.

Informacje o lekach na receptę: zaostrzenie przepisów

Pacjenci muszą mieć lepszy dostęp do rzetelnych informacji o lekach przepisywanych na receptę - tak uważają deputowani. Poprawki, które przegłosował dziś PE mają usprawnić dostęp do obiektywnych informacji na temat leków oraz chorób. Jednocześnie, przepisy mają chronić pacjentów przed niepotwierdzonymi informacjami bądź ukrytą reklamą.

Investing in well being at work - Addressing psychosocial risks in times of change

The European Commission together with the Belgium presidency of the Council of the European Union, will be holding a Forum investing in well being at work and addressing psychosocial risks in time of change

Informacje o lekach na receptę: zaostrzenie przepisów

Pacjenci muszą mieć lepszy dostęp do rzetelnych informacji o lekach przepisywanych na receptę - tak uważają deputowani. Poprawki, które przegłosował dziś PE mają usprawnić dostęp do obiektywnych informacji na temat leków oraz chorób. Jednocześnie, przepisy mają chronić pacjentów przed niepotwierdzonymi informacjami bądź ukrytą reklamą.

Informacje on lekarstwach w Internecie?

Linia pomiędzy rzetelną informacją a reklamą jest często płynna i PE żąda jasnych reguł dot. informacji o lekarstwach.

Europejski Dzień Wiedzy o Antybiotykach

Co roku w dniu 18 listopada obchodzimy Europejski Dzień Wiedzy o Antybiotykach. W 2010 r. głównym tematem tego Dnia będzie propagowanie racjonalnego stosowania antybiotyków w szpitalach.

The European Commission launched a Stakeholder Consultation on the Transatlantic Task Force on antimicrobial resistance

The public consultation provides an opportunity for the public to put their views on the EU/US Transatlantic Taskforce on Antimicrobial Resistance to the Commission. Period of consultation: From 17.11.2010 to 17.12.2010

Multidrug resistant bacteria remain a public health issue in Europe

On the occasion of the European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is releasing new European-wide surveillance data on antibiotic resistance. With annually up to 400,000 patients reported to suffer from infections resistant to multiple antibiotics, the data show that antibiotic resistance remains a public health problem across the European Union.

Launch of a new Mental Health Promotion Portal

This portal extends the range of information available on the ProMenPol website to include a site dedicated to e-learning in relation to mental health promotion and a site dedicated to supporting the implementation of mental health promotion in different settings, including workplace.

WHO Europe: Vaccines and immunization

In the 21st century, every child has the right to live free from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available, saving millions of people from illness, disability and death each year.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE”: Konferencja wysokiego szczebla w sprawie demencji (Bruksela, 25–26 listopada 2010 r.)

This edition of the Health-EU newsletter is dedicated to the high-level conference on dementia that will be held in Brussels on 25-26 November in the context of the Belgian Presidency of the EU.

Vaccines are powerful tools for protecting our health

European national immunisation programmes for children include vaccines against 9 to 11 diseases, depending on national priorities. Most vaccines provide lifelong protection for the immunised person but unimmunised people also benefit.

ECDC launches ‘Spotlight: Influenza’ - a theme site about seasonal influenza

Europe is now approaching the first winter season after the 2009 pandemic influenza. What can we expect? Has anything changed with seasonal influenza? What can people do to protect themselves and others? To answer these questions, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control launched a theme site about seasonal influenza

Antimicrobial resistance: a global threat

In this edition of the WHO Bulletin, Professor John Conly argues that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics leading to antimicrobial resistance, the theme of World Health Day 2011, is a significant threat.

ECDC: Spotlight on immunisation 2010

ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) launches "spotlight on immunisation", a thematic website to highlight the 3 key messages of the campaign on vaccine-preventable diseases and on childhood immunisation .

Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on "Promoting social inclusion and combating stigma for better mental health and well-being"

John DALLI, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy attends the Mental Health Pact Conference - Lisbon, Portugal, 08 November 2010

European Commission – Publication "Promoting Social Inclusion and Combating Stigma for better Mental Health and Well being”

Organised by the European Commission and Portuguese Ministry of Health with the support of the Belgian Presidency of the EU. 8th- 9th November 2010, Lisbon

European cost of illness of dementia

The aim of the study was to describe the economic impact of dementia in Europe in 2008. The researchers found the total cost of illness of dementia in the EU 27 in 2008 was estimated to be EUR 160 billion.

Women can test for breast cancer at home

Women will in the future be able to test quickly and efficiently for breast cancer in the comfort of their own home.

A united front against dementia

Forty five organisations from the charity, public and private sectors have come together to form the largest ever united front against dementia.

European cost of illness of dementia published

The findings from the socio-economic impact of dementia workgroup of Alzheimer Europe’s European Collaboration on Dementia (EuroCoDe) project have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Breakthrough technology offers quicker, cheaper cancer screening

Their discovery will allow large-range screening by non-medical personnel with almost immediate results and at a much lower cost than is possible with existing technology.

Europarltv clip - Leczenie transgraniczne

Europosłowie popierają lepsze prawa pacjentów w przypadku leczenia transgranicznego. Obywatele powinni mieć prawo do leczenia w innym państwie UE i do zwrotu poniesionych kosztów.

European Parliamant press release - An EU citizen's right to get medical treatment in another Member State

Plans to lay down clearer rights for patients to seek healthcare in another Member State - and be properly reimbursed - were beefed up by Parliament's Public Health Committee on Wednesday.

Cross-border health care - Françoise Grossetête MEP explains ahead of vote

The ability to receive medical treatment in a European country other than your own could take a step forward Wednesday (27 October). The European Parliament's public health committee could back the proposed directive on patients' rights on cross-border healthcare. This will strengthen your right to be treated in another country and hopefully iron out some of the administration hurdles that have at present hindered its wider use.

Pracownicy sektora opieki zdrowotnej UE. Kto opiekuje się tymi, którzy opiekują się innymi?

Wykwalifikowany i stały personel europejskiego sektora zdrowotnego jest w Europie niezbędny, zwłaszcza w sytuacji dodatkowego, nadmiernego obciążenia naszych systemów zdrowotnych, które wynika z szybkich zmian demograficznych, starzenia się społeczeństwa, pogłębiających się nierówności pod względem dostępu do opieki zdrowotnej i stanu zdrowia oraz zmian w rozprzestrzenianiu się chorób.

New publication "How to give life – organ donation, let’s talk about it"

Today more than 50 000 people in Europe are waiting for transplant of a kidney, liver, heart, lung, etc. Medicine is progressing by leaps and bounds, but waiting lists are as long as ever.

Europarltv new A-Z video: O jak organy

Płuca, serce, wątroba, nerki... Na przeszczepy czeka 60.000 Europejczyków. Dawców, którzy mogą uratować niejedno życie, można by znaleźć w innym kraju UE.

Call to Support the Signing of the Written Declaration on Cancer Research

A written Declaration on Cancer Research has been put forward by five prominent MEPs and backed by ECPC. It calls for the implementation of measures across Europe to improve the coordination, cooperation and coherence of pan-European, national, regional and local cancer research activities.

Znaczenie pracowników sektora zdrowia

Pracownicy sektora opieki zdrowotnej odgrywają zasadniczą rolę w realizacji milenijnych celów rozwoju. Niedobór pracowników ma wpływ na umieralność kobiet i dzieci, lecz zaledwie w 5 spośród 49 krajów o niskich dochodach osiągnięto zalecane przez WHO minimum 23 lekarzy na 10 tys. mieszkańców.

Physical activity can prevent grey matter shrinkage

Walking more than six miles a week could reduce your risk of developing memory problems according to research published in the online issue of Neurology

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE”: Zostań dawcą − ocal życie

The edition of the Health-EU newsletter dedicated to organ donation and transplantation with latest news, publications, events and conferences.

Publikacja WHO − zdrowie psychiczne i dobre samopoczucie w miejscu pracy

Podstawą dla tej publikacji były prezentacje przedstawione na spotkaniu WHO w sprawie zdrowia psychicznego i dobrego samopoczucia w miejscu pracy, które odbyło się w roku 2009. Jej tematem jest rozwiązywanie problemów związanych z życiem zawodowym we współczesnym świecie oraz pokonywanie przeszkód uniemożliwiających osobom dotkniętym problemami psychicznymi podejmowanie pracy.

Health-EU video: EU funded projects on rare diseases

Videos on Health-EU

Specjalne badanie Eurobarometru dotyczące zdrowia psychicznego

Raport dotyczy 27 państw członkowskich UE. Wyniki są odzwierciedlają sytuację w poszczególnych krajach.

Summary of EU rules on seasonal flu vaccination

Influenza is an infectious disease which, ever year, leads to many deaths and high costs within the European Union, in terms of healthcare and also in terms of economic impact. The European Commission considers that it is crucial to vaccinate ‘risk’ groups as a priority in order to limit losses.

European Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Programme on influenza

The programme aims to support European Bodies and the Member States in the enactment of recent European Council Recommendations and Communications on seasonal influenza immunisation and pandemic preparedness.

National Childhood Vaccination Schedules

The schedules of EUVAC.NET countries are presented as summary tables showing the ages at which the various vaccines are recommended.

Breast cancer awareness month: How to fight off a killer

October is breast cancer awareness month and this article sifts through the science to find ways to reduce your risk of the disease.

Social Economic Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Rare Diseases in Europe

The main aim of BURQOL-RD, a newly funded EU project, is to generate a model to quantify the socio-economic costs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), for both patients and caregivers, for up to 10 rare diseases in different European countries.

Information on prescription drugs: MEPs press for stronger patients' rights

Patients must have better access to high quality information on prescription drugs in the future, MEPs decided on Tuesday. Objective information on a drug's characteristics and the health conditions it is intended to treat should be among the details given, said the EP Environment Committee. At the same time, MEPs want to protect patients from unsolicited information on medicines.

An innovative pharmaceutical industry which meets the needs of society

On the occasion of the Belgian Presidency’s ministerial conference on innovation and solidarity in the field of pharmaceuticals held today, Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani announced the launch of a process on corporate responsibility in the pharmaceutical industry.

Corporate Responsibility in the field of Pharmaceuticals

The Process on corporate responsibility in the field of pharmaceuticals should facilitate discussions on ethics and transparency of the sector but also on non-regulatory conditions for better access to medicines after their marketing authorisation.

Wzmocniony nadzór nad bezpieczeństwem leków

Parlament Europejski przyjął propozycje legislacyjne, które wzmacniają bezpieczeństwo pacjentów i zapewnią im prawo do lepszej informacji o zastosowaniach leku i jego możliwych działaniach ubocznych. W internecie powstaną portale informacyjne o lekach i ich działaniu. Z informacjami o niepożądanych skutkach zażywania leków pacjenci będą mogli zwracać się nie tylko do lekarzy i stowarzyszeń pacjentów, ale bezpośrednio do właściwych organów krajowych.

People with mental disabilities cannot be forgotten

WHO urges development programmes to include people with mental and psychosocial

Policies and incentives for promoting innovation in antibiotic research

This book, commissioned by the Swedish Government from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, analyses many proposed policies and incentive mechanisms and sheds light on the key issues that will help policy-makers reach informed, concrete decisions on how to avert this potential public health crisis.

Walka z rakiem - Przyjęcie konkluzji Rady

Council adopts its position on patient's rights in cross-border healthcare

The Council's position on the draft directive aims to facilitate the access to safe and highquality cross-border healthcare and to promote cooperation on healthcare between member states.

Biuletyn „Zdrowie-UE”: Inwestowanie w przyszłą europejską służbę zdrowia

The edition of the newsletter dedicated to the health workforce with latest news, publications, events and conferences.

Debating the success of Alzheimer’s research

An editorial in the journal Lancet today (Friday 27 August, 2010) debates the problems of drug development for Alzheimer’s disease.

Are you ready for a world without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a bedrock of modern medicine. But in the very near future, we're going to have to learn to live without them once again. And it's going to get nasty.

Result of a call for proposals to develop and coordinate a network of nursing educators and regulators

A Call for Proposals to develop and coordinate a network of nursing educators and regulators was published on 16 December 2009. The deadline for submission of proposals was 31 March 2010.

DECYZJA KOMISJI z dnia 27 lipca 2010 r. w sprawie powołania członków Komitetu Ekspertów UE ds. Rzadkich Chorób ustanowionego decyzją 2009/872/WE

Study highlights lifestyle factors that could reduce risk of dementia

Researchers in the UK and France are recommending that reducing depression and diabetes, increasing education and eating more fruit and vegetables may reduce the number of people developing dementia.

New research suggests that people with a sleep disorder have a higher risk of developing dementia

People who experience rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) may go on to develop conditions such as dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, or multiple system atrophy.

Early diagnosis for people with dementia can reduce costs

An early diagnosis of dementia followed by information and support reduces outpatient costs by almost 30 percent, claims new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease.

User empowerment in mental health - a statement by the WHO Regional Office for Europe

Empowerment is not a destination, but a journey. With the support of the European Commission Health and Consumers Directorate-General

ECPC launches FACE (Forum Against Cancer Europe)

ECPC, with the support of more than 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), is now initiating the Forum Against Cancer Europe (FACE). FACE will be more interactive and will cover a broader range of topics of concern to cancer patients.

Dyrektywa w sprawie norm jakości i bezpieczeństwa narządów ludzkich do przeszczepów

Dyrektywę przyjęto w lipcu 2010 r. Dotyczy ona ustanowienia we wszystkich krajach UE odpowiednich podmiotów, ośrodków i działań w zakresie przeszczepów, wprowadzenia systemów identyfikowalności oraz informowania o zdarzeniach i reakcjach niepożądanych.

Termin zgłaszania prac na konkurs dla dziennikarzy „Zdrowie UE 2010” przedłużono do 18 lipca 2010 r.

Council improves safety of transplantations and facilitates the exchange of human organs in the EU

The Council adopted a directive setting out the basic quality and safety requirements for human organs intended for transplantation.The directive aims to minimise the risk for the organ transplant recipients and to facilitate the exchange of human organs between member states.

World Blood Donor Day: more Europeans are donating their blood, according to Eurobarometer

A poll published three days ahead of the 2010 World Blood Donor Day shows that 37% of Europeans have given blood. The Eurobarometer survey indicates a 6% increase since the last survey was conducted in 2002 in EU-15. The countries revealed to have the highest levels of blood donation are Austria (66%), France (52%), Greece (51%) and the Republic of Cyprus (51%). Over half of Europeans are willing to donate organs according to a Eurobarometer survey on organ donation also published today.

Rada przyjęła nowe zasady dotyczące praw pacjentów w kontekście transgranicznej opieki zdrowotnej

Projekt tej dyrektywy ma na celu ułatwienie dostępu do bezpiecznej transgranicznej opieki zdrowotnej wysokiej jakości oraz wspieranie współpracy państw członkowskich w tym zakresie.

Technology for people living with dementia

Alzheimer Europe reports that at least 5.7 million Europeans, aged between 40 and 80, have Parkinson’s disease or dementia. European researchers are tackling the problem of how people with these diseases can keep their independence and quality of life longer, while safely living in their own homes.

EU health ministers back the Spanish proposal on patient mobility

The EU’s health ministers backed the Spanish proposal on patient mobility within the Union, at the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) held in Luxembourg this Tuesday.

Spain hopes to give impetus to the new proposal on patient mobility in the EU

Spain hopes to give impetus to the new proposal on patientmobility in the EU, during the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), scheduled for 7 and 8 June in Luxembourg.

Statement by John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy on EU Directive on Organ Donation and Transplant

The European Parliament today voted in favour of the EU Directive on standards of quality and safety of human organs intended for transplant.

Discussion forum of the EU Health Prize for Journalists opened on Facebook.

Take a look at the page on the journalist prize on Facebook and share your opinion on topics around health journalism and the prize.

International Nurses Day – "Acting for Better EU Workforce for Health"

In the context of the International Nurses Day, the European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) stresses the importance for the EU Member States to tackle the challenges of EU workforce for health in order to safeguard the quality and safety of care for all European citizens.

European Immunization Week

The 2010 European Immunization Week (EIW) was the most successful since WHO/Europe launched the annual campaign in 2005; 47 countries organized a range of activities to raise awareness about immunization and maintain high vaccination coverage.

Reducing health inequalities in the European Union (video)

New video on line on health inequalities

John Dalli European Commissioner for Health and Consumers - Opening speech at the 4th European Patients' Right Day 2010: "Putting citizens at the center of EU Health Policy"

at the European Parliament in Brussels, 6 May 2010

Walka z rakiem: najważniejsza jest profilaktyka i wczesne wykrywanie

Ponieważ jednej trzeciej zachorowań na raka można zapobiec, należy wzmóc wysiłki na rzecz walki z nowotworami, a zwłaszcza profilaktyki. Parlament Europejski wzywa do podjęcia działań promujących zdrowy tryb życia oraz eliminujących czynniki ryzyka zarówno środowiskowe jak i wynikające z warunków pracy. UE powinna inwestować w upowszechnianie wiedzy o nowotworach i zwiększanie dostępności badań przesiewowych.

MEPs combat killer fake medicines

Viagra, cancer drugs, anti-malaria pills and painkillers - more and more people buy medicine on the internet, but it's often counterfeit. MEPs on the Parliament Committee responsible for health recently voted in favour of new mandatory safety rules for medicine in general, including internet sales, to reduce the number of fake medicines in the European Union.

Vaccination coverage in children in percentage for 2008

Fake medicines: MEPs want to target online sales

To combat fake medicines, internet sales should be included in draft EU legislation to prevent "falsified" medicines from entering legal supply chain, and mandatory safety features should be introduced for prescription medicines, said Environment Committee MEPs on Tuesday. The committee also approved measures to improve pharmacovigilance in the EU.

Immunization week to kick off in 112 countries

For the first time 112 countries and territories are simultaneously launching immunization campaigns. WHO's goal is to expand immunization coverage and raise awareness of the importance of vaccines.

Equality in health care, transplants and cross-border medical care are the focus of the meeting of health ministers in Madrid

The Spanish Minister of Health and Social Policy, Trinidad Jiménez, opened the informal meeting of EU health ministers on Thursday, which aims to work towards reducing inequalities in health care, as well as making progress on European directives concerning organ transplants and cross-border medical care.

Ogólnokrajowe badania mammograficzne we wszystkich państwach UE

Parlament Europejski wzywa państwa członkowskie do wprowadzenia ogólnokrajowych badań mammograficznych. Przewodniczący Buzek poinformował, że pod pisemnym, oświadczeniem zainicjowanym przez posłankę Liz Lynne (ALDE, UK) podpisała się wymagana liczba posłów.

4th European Patients' Rights Day

This day aims to put citizens at the centre of health policy and guarantee patients' rights are respected. Cooperation and commitment from all healthcare stakeholders in every EU country are needed.

Commission publishes Eurobarometer on Patient Safety

Almost 50% of all Europeans responding to a Eurobarometer survey on patient safety fear they could be harmed by healthcare.

Second report from the Commission to the Council on the implementation of the Council Recommendation (2002/77/EC) on the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine

In November 2001 the Council adopted a Recommendation on the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine (2002/77/EC), hereinafter referred to as the Recommendation. This Recommendation asks Member States and EEA countries to put in place specific strategies for the prudent use of antimicrobial agents with a view to containing antimicrobial resistance.

Almost 40% of Europeans are aware of the issue of overuse of antibiotics, says a survey

Today, the Commission publishes two reports which demonstrate the need for further progress in the European Union on the issue of anti microbial resistance. The first is a pan-European survey which reveals some worrying trends in public attitudes towards the use of antibiotics. The results indicate that citizens need more information on the correct use of antibiotics, even though 37% of respondents remember having received information on not overusing antibiotics in the last 12 months. The second document is a progress report, adopted today, on the 2002 Council Recommendation on the prudent use of antibiotics. The report shows that good progress has been made in several areas.

Komisja ogłasza drugi konkurs dla dziennikarzy o nagrodę UE w dziedzinie zdrowia

Komisja Europejska ogłosiła dziś otwarcie drugiego konkursu dla dziennikarzy mediów drukowanych i elektronicznych o nagrodę UE w dziedzinie zdrowia. Nagroda jest częścią kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów” rozpoczętej we wrześniu 2008 r. Celem tej kampanii jest promowanie i nagradzanie dobrego dziennikarstwa, które podejmuje tematykę ochrony zdrowia i praw pacjentów. Tegoroczny konkurs jest kontynuacją pierwszego konkursu o nagrodę w dziedzinie zdrowia, na który dziennikarze z całej Unii Europejskiej nadesłali ponad 460 artykułów.

Leki na receptę: lepsza informacja dla pacjentów

Grypa, przeziębienie, idziesz do lekarza, później z receptą do apteki. W domu starasz się przypomnieć sobie, które tabletki brać rano, które po posiłku i czy łyżeczkę syropu masz połknąć dwa, czy trzy razy dziennie. Czasem nawet ulotka nie odpowie na niektóre pytania. Medycyna to nie rosyjska ruletka, dlatego wraz ze zmianami w zasadach rejestracji medykamentów w Unii, powstać ma system, który wykorzystując internet i publikacje o zdrowiu będzie dostarczał rzetelnej informacji o lekach.

Council acts to prevent injuries to healthcare workers

The Council today agreed on a directive aimed at achieving the safest possible working environment for healthcare workers through prevention from sharps injuries.

World Cancer Day

Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.

Cross-border medical assistance

Spain wants to start working on a new Community directive on cross-border medical assistance, after the initial proposal from the European Commission (EC) was blocked last December, according to the Spanish Minister of Health, Trinidad Jiménez.

Spanish Presidency of the EU Council - Cross-border medical assistance

The European Community Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance

In 2001 the European Commission presented a 'Community strategy against Antimicrobial Resistance'. In previous years, the problem was addressed through an increasing number of isolated measures, but in this strategy the Commission outlined a comprehensive European Community approach across all sectors.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Zalecenie Rady z dnia 22 grudnia 2009 r. w sprawie szczepień przeciw grypie sezonowej

Report on the open consultation on the Green Paper on the European Workforce for Health

The European Commission ran a public consultation on the Green Paper on the European Workforce for Health between 10 December 2008 and 10 April 2009. This summary document aims to provide an overview of the main views expressed on the different topics raised in the Green Paper.

CAMbrella - an EU research network for complementary and alternative medicine

Prevention of depression and suicide conference by the EU Swedish Presidency

Organised by the European Commission and Hungarian Ministry of Health with the Support of the Swedish Presidency of the EU and in collaboration with WHO Regional Office for Europe, this is the second of five thematic conferences that until 2011 are to implement the European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being.

Commission establishes EU Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases

The Commission adopted today (30 November) a Decision establishing a European Committee of Experts on Rare diseases. The Committee will be composed of one representative per Member State from ministries or government agencies responsible for rare diseases designated by the Government of each Member State, representatives from patient's organisations, the pharmaceutical industry and Community experts in the field of rare diseases.

Commission paper lays foundations of discussion to tackle the problem of anti-microbial resistance

The European Commission presents today a staff working paper that aims to be the basis of discussion on the ways to better tackle the growing health problem of anti-microbial resistance (AMR). Each year about 25,000 patients die in the EU from infections caused by micro-organisms that have developed resistance to antimicrobial medicines. It is also estimated that every year AMR costs 1.5 billion euros in healthcare expenses and productivity losses.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day - The Lightbulb TV Spot

Video from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

European Antibiotic Awareness Day - Sneezing Panda, Web Spot

Video from the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control

European Antibiotic Awareness Day - The Hedgehog Animation TV Spot

Video from the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control

Konkurs dla dziennikarzy – Zdrowie UE 2009: broszura

Broszura zawiera artykuły finalistów szczebla krajowego (przetłumaczone na język angielski) oraz informacje na temat sylwetek finalistów i członków jury.

A Life for Living video

A person portrait of 5 cancer survivors

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission - European Partnership for Action Against Cancer Brussels

Speech from José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, for the Launch of the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer

Androulla Vassiliou Member of the European Commission, responsible for Health Launch European Partnership against cancer

Speech at the launch of the European Partnership against cancer Brussels, 29 September 2009

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+IM-PRESS+20090925STO61211+0+DOC+XML+V0//PL

Ponad siedem milionów Europejczyków zmaga się z chorobą Alzheimera lub demencją naczyniową. Liczba pacjentów może podwoić się w ciągu najbliższych dwudziestu lat. Musimy ograniczyć koszty społeczne, zapewnić nadzieję, godność i zdrowsze życie milionom cierpiących oraz ich rodzinom. Belgijski poseł z grupy Zielonych, Philippe Lamberts koordynuje działania Parlamentu Europejskiego zmierzające do połączenia wysiłków badawczych przeciwko chorobom neurodegradacyjnym.

Working together to fight cancer- President Barroso and Commissioner Vassiliou launch the European Partnership for Action against Cancer

Today, in Brussels, over 300 cancer organisations, patients and cancer survivors, health professionals, researchers, health authorities and health ministers gather to mark the official launch of the European Partnership for Action against Cancer. The opening speeches by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou and HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium highlight the impact of cancer on individuals and, their families.

ECDC and EMEA publish joint technical report on the bacterial challenge

There is a need for more development of antibiotics that are effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria. That is the conclusion of a new report prepared jointly by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) with contributions from the international network Action on Antibiotic Resistance (ReAct).

Konkurs dla dziennikarzy − „Zdrowie UE”: artykuły finalistów już on-line!

Już teraz można zapoznać się z artykułami 27 laureatów krajowych. Teksty są dostępne w języku oryginału i w języku angielskim na naszej stronie internetowej. Życzymy miłej lektury!

Citizens' summary: European Initiative in the Field of Alzheimer's Disease and dementias

Komisja Europejska intensyfikuje działania związane z chorobą Alzheimera i innymi schorzeniami neurodegeneracyjnymi

Komisja Europejska przyjęła dziś konkretne propozycje dotyczące zwalczania choroby Alzheimera, demencji i innych schorzeń neurodegeneracyjnych. Choroby te stanowią zdrowotne i społeczne wyzwania w całej Europie. Skuteczna prewencja, diagnostyka, leczenie i opieka nad chorymi wymagają skoordynowanych działań. Oprócz tego zachęca się państwa Europy do połączenia zasobów i lepszej koordynacji działań badawczych w zakresie chorób neurodegeneracyjnych, a w szczególności choroby Alzheimera, poprzez planowanie inwestycji w badania naukowe wspólnie zamiast osobno. Obecnie ponad siedem milionów osób w Europie jest dotkniętych chorobą Alzheimera oraz podobnymi schorzeniami i przewiduje się, że liczba ta podwoi się w ciągu najbliższych dwudziestu lat.

Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on a pilot joint programming initiative to combat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular alzheimer's

Examples of EU-funded research on neurodegenerative diseases

This background note provides some examples of research on neurodegenerative diseases supported through the EU's Research Framework Programme.

Streszczenie - Europejskie Partnerstwo na rzecz Zwalczania Chorób Nowotworowych

Citizens' summary: Seasonal Flu Vaccination

European Commission proposal for a recommendation to increase seasonal vaccination coverage in the EU Member States, in particular in risk groups.

Commission calls for scaling up of seasonal flu vaccination in Europe

Today, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council recommendation on seasonal flu vaccination. The proposed recommendation calls on EU countries to ensure that 75% of their elderly population and 75% of people with some specific underlying health problems are vaccinated every year against seasonal flu. This target should be achieved by 2015 at the latest. Vaccination coverage rates in older people vary considerably in Europe ranging from 2% in Lithuania to 80% in the Netherlands. Additional measures mentioned in the proposal include education and training for healthcare workers on seasonal influenza as well as information to those people targeted for vaccination and their families. Each country should report annually to the Commission on the progress they make with vaccination coverage until 2015 and then every 3 years.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day - Video

Fighting Cancer: A European partnership is born

The European Commission reinforces its long-term commitment to the fight against cancer by creating a European Partnership for Action against Cancer. The partnership will focus on actions that can be taken at EU level to more effectively prevent and control cancer across Europe. In Europe, one in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime.

European Partnership Action Against Cancer: contribution of EU-funded research

On 24 June, the European Commission adopted the Communication, 'Action Against Cancer: European Partnership', to support the Member States in their efforts to tackle this major health challenge. One of the four proposed areas for action within this Partnership is the coordination of cancer research. This background note provides further information on the European Union's commitment to cancer research and its coordination in Europe.

EFN Briefing Note on the Council Recommendations on Patient Safety

European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) Briefing Note

Video of Commissioner Vassiliou at EPSCO Council 9/06/09

Zalecenie Rady w sprawie bezpieczeństwa pacjentów

W zaleceniu zaproponowano stworzenie ram stymulujących kształtowanie polityki i przyszłych działań w państwach członkowskich oraz współpracy między nimi w celu zajęcia się kluczowymi kwestiami dotyczącymi bezpieczeństwa pacjentów, w tym profilaktyką i kontrolą zakażeń związanych z opieką zdrowotną.

Ostatnie zaproszenie do udziału w konkursie dla dziennikarzy − „Zdrowie UE”! Termin składania prac upływa 15 czerwca 2009 r.

W lutym 2009 r. w ramach kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów” ogłoszono konkurs UE dla dziennikarzy na prace o tematyce zdrowotnej. Ma on ich zachęcić do zabierania głosu w kwestiach dotyczących zdrowia i praw pacjentów, a także nagradzać wysokiej klasy dziennikarstwo w tej dziedzinie.

Parlament Europejski - Teksty przyjęte - Prawa pacjenta w transgranicznej opiece zdrowotnej

Commissioner Vassiliou welcomes the European Parliament's positive contribution to building a ‘Europe for Patients’

Zdrowie UE − Nagroda dla dziennikarzy: fact sheet

European Parliament press release - Rare diseases: an invisible threat

Rare diseases contribute heavily to the death rate in Europe but often go unrecorded owing to weaknesses in healthcare data systems. Concerted action at EU and national level is needed to tackle this problem, according to a report adopted by Parliament today in Strasbourg.

ECDC's Director addressed Czech Presidency conference "The microbial threat to patient safety in Europe"

Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Zsuzsanna Jakab, addressed an EU Conference hosted by the Czech EU Presidency on "The microbial threat to patient safety in Europe". In her speech, she stressed that the frequency and the way we use antibiotics is the most important single determinant of antibiotic resistance, and that infection control is paramount for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections and the spread of resistant microorganisms.

ECDC press release: More work needed in raising awareness on benefits of vaccination

ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) director highlighted that EU countries need to work together to better understand why children are being left unvaccinated and to pool their knowledge on how to raise vaccine coverage rates, as this situation threatens the achievement of the measles.

Weź udział w europejskim konkursie „Zdrowie UE”!

Konsultacje społeczne dotyczące zielonej księgi w sprawie pracowników europejskiego sektora zdrowia − zbliża się termin zakończenia konsultacji

Parlament Europejski przyjmuje rezolucję w sprawie zdrowia psychicznego

Konkurs UE dla dziennikarzy na prace o tematyce zdrowotnej w 2009 r. – informacje dla zainteresowanych uczestnictwem

Konkurs UE dla dziennikarzy na prace o tematyce zdrowotnej ma zachęcić dziennikarzy w całej Europie do zabierania głosu w kwestiach zdrowotnych, a także być wyrazem uznania dla kunsztu dziennikarskiego. W 2009 r. nagroda zostanie przyznana za artykuły (w wersji papierowej i elektronicznej) dotyczące inicjatyw podejmowanych w ramach kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów”.

Organ transplant - short film in FRENCH

Public Sénat: Reins, foie, coeur, poumons... alors que la médecine progresse à pas de géant, les listes d'attente des patients en attente de greffe sont toujours aussi longues. En Europe, 7 pays se sont unis pour faire face aux urgences : leur réseau, Eurotransplant, permet de trouver le plus rapidement possible le meilleur « receveur » à chaque prélèvement d'organe, par-delà les frontières. Reportage à Bruxelles, au centre de coordination des transplantations de l'hôpital Erasme.

Awareness of mental health in the EU

One in four people experience mental health problems at least once in their lives, and many more are indirectly affected. The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety is calling on Member States to develop awareness-raising campaigns, to combat stigma and social exclusion and to improve mental health legislation.

Depresja zabija: mówi posłanka Evangelia Tzampazi

Problemy ze zdrowiem psychicznym mogą mieć wpływ na nasze życie codzienne, rodzinne, naukę, pracę i wypoczynek. Wczesne rozpoznanie i leczenie jest najlepszym sposobem, aby zapobiec osobistej katastrofie, uważa grecka Socjalistka, Evangelia Tzampazi, która przygotowuje sprawozdanie na ten temat. Choroby psychiczne dotykają milionów Europejczyków i stanowią podłoże dziewięćdziesięciu procent wszystkich samobójstw.

MEPs adopt written declaration on the fight against Alzheimer's disease

The European Parliament has adopted a written declaration put forward by Françoise Grossetête, John Bowis, Katalin Lévai, Jan Tadeusz Masiel and Antonios Trakatellis on priorities in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease since more than half of all MEPs have signed it. MEPs underline that Alzheimer’s disease currently affects 6.1 million Europeans and that figure will double or triple between now and 2050 with the ageing of the population.

Ogólny zarys aktualnych programów badań przesiewowych na obecność raka piersi, szyjki macicy i jelita grubego w oparciu o dane dotyczące mieszkańców UE

Europe needs to intensify and double cancer screening, concludes Commission report

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the European Union. Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer accounts for 32% of cancer deaths in women and 11% in men. With an ageing population, the figures are due to increase, unless preventive measures are taken to reduce cancer deaths.

Presentations from the 10 December EU conference to launch green paper on EU workforce for health

Patient Safety and Healthcare Associated Infections

Press Release - European Federation of Nurses Associations

The European Commission - Questions and Answers on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections

Communication and proposal for a Council recommendation on patient safety

The European Commission adopted a Communication and a proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections.

Commission launches a public consultation on the future of Europe's workforce for health

The European Commission adopted a green paper on the EU workforce for health. This marks the beginning of a consultation period which aims to identify common responses to the many challenges facing the health workforce in Europe. In an ageing Europe, with growing healthcare costs and rising expectations from both citizens and patients, a high quality health workforce is crucial for successful health systems. The health workforce plays an important role in the EU economy accounting for about 10% of all jobs. In addition, 70% of EU healthcare budgets are allocated to salaries and employment related issues.

Commission takes steps to promote patient safety in Europe

Each year, in the EU, between 8% and 12% of patients admitted to hospitals suffer harm from the healthcare they receive, including from healthcare associated infections. Much of that harm is preventable. Today, the Commission adopts a Communication and proposal for a Council Recommendation with specific actions that Member States can take, either individually, collectively or with the Commission, to improve the safety of patients.

Video "Improving Patient Safety in the EU"

The short film clip describes the patient safety challenges that all EU health systems face today. These includes one of the most common causes of harm - healthcare associated infections. It also explains that measures can be taken to improve patient safety and sets out a role for the EU in supporting Member States in this process.

Bezpieczne, innowacyjne i dostępne leki: nowe perspektywy dla sektora farmaceutycznego

Unia Europejska pozostaje w tyle w innowacjach farmaceutycznych. Pacjenci w Europie nadal nie mają równego dostępu do informacji o lekach. Coraz częstsze są również przypadki fałszowania leków.

Strengthening pharmacovigilance to reduce adverse effects of medicines

Medicinal products contribute considerably to the health of EU citizens. They can, however, also have adverse effects.

Protecting the legal supply chain against counterfeited medicines

There is an alarming increase of medicinal products detected in the EU which are falsifications in relation to their identity, history or source. These products usually contain sub-standard or false ingredients, or no ingredients or ingredients in the wrong dosage, including active ingredients, thus, posing an important threat to public health.

Information to patients on prescription-only medicinal products

EU citizens have become more empowered and proactive consumers of healthcare, increasingly seeking information about medicines and treatments.

Reducing the Burden of Cancer in Europe - Cancer screening saves lives

Speech from Androulla Vassiliou, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Health. Reducing the Burden of Cancer in Europe - Cancer screening saves lives. Speech delivered during the forum of MEPs against Cancer, European Parliament. Brussels, 9 December 2008

Komisja Europejska zabiega o dalszy rozwój i usprawnienie systemu dawstwa i transplantacji narządów w całej Europie.

Celem polityki Komisji Europejskiej jest zapewnienie obywatelom Europy jednakowo wysokiego poziomu bezpieczeństwa organów przeszczepianych w Unii Europejskiej. Jeśli we wszystkich krajach będą obowiązywały podobne normy, ułatwi to m.in. wymianę narządów wykorzystywanych do przeszczepów w nagłych wypadkach lub też przeznaczonych dla potrzebujących dzieci i pacjentów, w przypadku których leczenie okazuje się wyjątkowo trudne, na przykład z powodu rzadko występującej choroby. Więcej informacji na ten temat.

EU funded and co-funded projects

Leczenie ratujące życie – Komisja zmierza do poprawienia wskaźników dawstwa narządów w Europie

Komisja przyjęła dzisiaj ważne środki dotyczące bezpieczeństwa i jakości dawstwa narządów oraz dziesięciopunktowy plan współpracy z państwami członkowskimi w zakresie umacniania europejskich systemów dawstwa i przeszczepiania narządów. Dla wielu pacjentów przeszczep to jedyna możliwość uratowania życia. Obecnie w UE 56 tys. pacjentów czeka na odpowiedniego dawcę. Ocenia się, że codziennie w oczekiwaniu na przeszczep umiera 12 osób. Proponowana dyrektywa oraz plan działania dotyczą trzech głównych wyzwań: poprawy jakości i bezpieczeństwa narządów w Europie, zwiększenia dostępności narządów oraz skuteczności i dostępności systemów działań związanych z transplantacją

Magiczna moc leków – nowe nagranie wideo departamentu badań naukowych Komisji Europejskiej

Eurofound publishes first findings of its second European Quality of Life Survey

First European Antibiotic Awareness Day: Commissioner Vassiliou speech

Androullla Vassiliou launches the first European Antibiotic Awareness Day. This event is designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics and to provide information on the responsible use of antibiotics.

Commission calls for a European focus on rare diseases

The European Commission adopted today a Communication and a proposal for a Council Recommendation on rare diseases setting out an overall Community strategy to support Member States in diagnosing, treating and caring for the 36 million EU citizens with rare diseases. The limited number of patients affected and the fragmentation of knowledge about them across the European Union, makes rare diseases a prime example of where working at European level is necessary and beneficial.

Komunikat oraz wniosek dotyczący zalecenia Rady w sprawie rzadkich chorób

Komisja Europejska przyjęła komunikat i wniosek dotyczący wydania przez Radę zalecenia w sprawie rzadkich chorób w celu określenia ogólnej strategii Wspólnoty w zakresie wspierania państw członkowskich w dziedzinie diagnozowania i leczenia 36 milionów pacjentów w UE cierpiących na rzadkie choroby oraz opieki nad nimi.

Conference to launch the Green Paper on the EU Workforce for Health : "Promoting a Sustainable Workforce for Health in Europe"

DG Health and Consumers is organising a conference in order to launch formally the publication of the Green Paper on the EU Workforce for Health and to promote the consultation exercise. This is an initiative of the Europe for Patients campaign. You can register for this conference on the link above.

Telemedicine: Commission adopts plans to help doctors and patients access healthcare from a distance.

The European Commission adopted a Communication to support and improve access to telemedicine for EU citizens and healthcare professionals across Europe. In response to a call for action from Member States, this initiative aims to increase and broaden telemedicine services, including diagnosis, treatment and monitoring at a distance across Europe. Such services will allow, for example, a patient suffering from a rare retinal disease to be diagnosed in his hometown by a specialist working at a European Centre of Excellence for eye diseases located thousands of kilometres away.

Cross-border healthcare initiative: Executive summary of the impact assessment available in 22 Languages

Celem oceny skutków jest rozważenie potrzeby podjęcia działania Wspólnoty w dziedzinie transgranicznej opieki zdrowotnej oraz potencjalnych skutków różnych wariantów takiego działania. Po wyłączeniu usług zdrowotnych z zakresu dyrektywy usługowej Komisja poprzez niniejszą inicjatywę uwzględnia życzenie zarówno Parlamentu Europejskiego, jak i Rady, aby zbadać potrzebę wystąpienia z odrębnym wnioskiem w dziedzinie transgranicznej opieki zdrowotnej.

Europe for patients - Focus on several projects funded by the European Commission Public Health Programme

The Executive Agency for Health and Consumers supports a number of projects that address the topics under the Europe for Patients campaign – rare diseases, patient safety, organ donation and transplantation, cancer, and mental health.

The UK's Foresight Programme launched on 22 October 2008 the outcomes of a Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing (July 2006 - October 2008)

Deal on the marketing authorisations for medicinal products

Parliament adopted a report on a first-reading agreement concerning a Commission proposal to harmonise the regulatory system used to change marketing authorisations for medicinal products (changes subsequent to the placing on the market, such as change in the production process, change in the packaging or change in the address of the manufacturer, update of patient information leaflet).

Video speech by Androulla Vassiliou at French Presidency Conference, European Health at the service of patients, Paris, 13-14 October 2008

The Health-EU Portal on the roads of Germany

The Directorate General for Justice, Freedom and Security of the EC organises a roadshow through almost 60 cities in Germany from 14 /10 to 30/10 with the aim of informing the general public on citizens' rights. Information material about health issues and about the Health-EU portal will also be available. Click on the above link for more details about the roadshow (cities, schedule etc.).

Video: "Europe joins forces on mental health"

The video highlights examples of successful mental health initiatives such as the European Alliance Against Depression and initiatives promoting corporate social responsibility in the workplace. The video also reports on the European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being, launched by Commissioner for Health, Ms Androulla Vassiliou in June 2008 at an EU high-level conference.

Europe for patients - Focus on several projects funded by the European Commission Public Health Programme

The Executive Agency for Health and Consumers supports a number of projects that address the topics under the Europe for Patients campaign – rare diseases, patient safety, organ donation and transplantation, cancer, and mental health.

150 milionów powodów do działania − Europejskie Forum Pacjentów ogłasza swój manifest

Europejskie Forum Pacjentów we wrześniu ogłosiło w Parlamencie Europejskim manifest w sprawie nowych sposobów na podwyższenie jakości opieki zdrowotnej w Europie.

Pharmaceutical Forum concluded successfully

The final report of the Pharmaceutical Forum was presented today in Brussels setting out principles and recommendations on three key challenges in the pharmaceutical landscape.

30 września 2008 r. − rozpoczęcie kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów”

30 września 2008 r. komisarz UE ds. zdrowia Androulla Vassiliou dokonała w Brukseli inauguracji kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów”. Wydarzenie to stanowi początek ambitnego projektu Komisji.

30 września 2008 r. − rozpoczęcie kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów”

30 września 2008 r. komisarz UE ds. zdrowia Androulla Vassiliou dokonała w Brukseli inauguracji kampanii „Europa dla pacjentów”. Wydarzenie to stanowi początek ambitnego projektu Komisji. Androulla Vassiliou zaproponowała szereg różnych strategii w obszarze zdrowia, które Komisja zamierza przyjąć w ciągu kolejnych 6-9 miesięcy. Wszystkie zaproponowane działania mają jeden wspólny cel, którym jest zapewnienie wyższego poziomu opieki zdrowotnej w Europie. Działania obejmują takie kwestie, jak bezpieczeństwo pacjentów, transgraniczna opieka zdrowotna, choroby rzadkie, dawstwo i przeszczep organów, badania przesiewowe w kierunku chorób nowotworowych, pracownicy sektora opieki zdrowotnej, szczepienia przeciwko grypie i szczepienia w dzieciństwie oraz stosowanie antybiotyków. W inauguracji uczestniczyło francuskie przewodnictwo w UE, członkowie Parlamentu Europejskiego, przedstawiciele władz krajowych, stowarzyszeń pacjentów, innych organizacji działającyc

Nowa inicjatywa Komisji dotycząca transgranicznej opieki zdrowotnej