MEPs adopted the report on new rules governing the use of so-called substances of human origin (SoHO) in the EU, with 483 votes in favour, 52 against and 89 abstentions. The measures apply to substances – such as blood and its components (red/white cells, plasma), tissues and cells – used for transfusions, therapies, transplantations or […]
Read MoreWhat is the European Union doing to reduce air pollution?
Poor air quality can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. But its devastating effects also extend to biodiversity, as it poisons crops and forests, causing significant economic losses. As part of the zero pollution ambition set out in the EU’s European Green Deal, the European Parliament has proposed setting stricter air quality standards […]
Read MoreCommission authorises adapted COVID-19 vaccine for Member States’ autumn vaccination campaigns
The Commission has authorised the Comirnaty XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by BioNTech-Pfizer. This vaccine marks another important milestone in the fight against the disease. It is the third adaptation of this vaccine to respond to new COVID-19 variants. The vaccine is authorised for adults, children and infants above 6 months. In line with previous recommendations by EMA […]
Read More22 de julio: Día Mundial del Cerebro
El 22 de julio se celebra el día mundial del cerebro. La salud mental forma parte integrante de la salud. Es una prioridad para la Comisión, que en los últimos veinticinco años ha apoyado acciones y proyectos que mejoran la salud mental de las personas en la UE y fuera de ella. No te pierdas esta […]
Read MoreThe Commission and the European Investment Bank announce the creation of HERA Invest
The Commission and the European Investment Bank announce the creation of HERA Invest, a €100 million top-up to the InvestEU programme, to support research and development (R&D) in the most pressing cross-border health threats, financed by the EU4Health programme. Currently, European companies find it difficult to access sufficient public and private funding for the development and scaling up of cutting-edge solutions in health […]
Read MoreIncreasing risk of mosquito-borne diseases in EU/EEA following spread of Aedes species
The mosquito species Aedes albopictus, a known vector of chikungunya and dengue viruses, is establishing itself further northwards and westwards in Europe, according to the latest data from ECDC. Also, Aedes aegypti, known to transmit dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, zika and West Nile viruses, has been established in Cyprus since 2022 and may continue to […]
Read MoreHeat waves and the spread of infectious diseases due to climate change are growing health threats
While there is growing recognition of the importance of addressing the impacts of climate change on human health, the time has come to move from planning to action and improve awareness among health and public health professionals to make Europe’s population more resilient, according to the EEA report “Climate change as a threat to health […]
Read MoreEU steps up the fight against antimicrobial resistance
The Commission welcomes the adoption by the Council of the European Union of the Commission’s proposal to strengthen EU action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Announced together with the Commission’s revision of the pharmaceutical legislation on 26 April, the AMR Recommendation helps combat AMR in the fields of human, animal and environmental health, following the so-called One Health approach. […]
Read MoreHow lonely are Europeans? Monitoring and tackling loneliness in Europe
Loneliness, the feeling of lacking meaningful social interactions, has been identified as a serious public health concern and linked to a number of factors, including poor health and low social connectedness. The increased risk of loneliness associated with prolonged lockdowns and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn even more attention to the issue, with […]
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