Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2007-10-23-Speech-2-274"
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"en.20071023.25.2-274"2
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"Actually, I had some problems pronouncing it myself. To begin with, I had hoped it would be eradicated without my having to learn how to pronounce it, but unfortunately it is becoming persistent so we now have to discuss the issue.
The new public programme and other instruments will also fund research in addressing many issues related to vector-borne diseases, as we also need to look at the issue of the insects themselves, and of course at global change through projects like Eden, which concerns emerging diseases in a changing European environment.
All this demonstrates how climate change has an immediate effect on health. In parallel, I should mention that we also have problems in animal health which have developed because of climate change. The European Commission is planning to adopt a communication next year dealing with that aspect of climate change too.
First of all, I had the opportunity yesterday, during the one minute speeches, to hear the Honourable Member’s intervention on this issue, and I share his concerns. One could say that, relatively speaking, we have a low number of infections – for example, about 250 in Italy as compared to more than 150 000 on the island of Réunion a few years ago. However, the worrying thing is the trend. What is actually raising our concerns is the fact that we now have tropical diseases spreading in Europe as a combination of climate change, which of course helps the proliferation and survival of the vector, and at the same time increased mobility, which allows the introduction of the virus via the movement of people coming from the tropics.
It was important for us to take immediate measures. From the beginning the Italian authorities reacted correctly, rapidly and effectively, so one can now say that the situation is at a much lower level, even though we still have on-going cases.
The first thing the Commission did was to take various measures, using existing instruments or adjusting these to deal with the situation. First of all we made sure that we offered technical support through the European Centre for Disease Control, once again proving the wise choice of the European Union in establishing such a centre.
We now had to deal with this new threat and new form of challenge. We adapted our legislation and included vector-borne diseases in the list of diseases to be addressed as a priority. At the same time we asked Member States – and this is a legal obligation on them – to notify the Commission and other Member States through the early-warning response system. It is very important to be able to detect cases as soon as possible in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), in addition to the case definitions, also produced standard operating procedures and is updating them regularly. Very importantly, we upgraded and strengthened laboratory capacity in order to detect and identify the chikungunya virus. We did this through the European Network for Diagnostics of ‘Imported’ Viral Diseases, which is funded under the public health programme. Also, through the same programme, we are funding joint activities with Member States to further strengthen preparedness for public health emergencies.
We had the opportunity to discuss in plenary a communication and action plan on generic preparedness, which was adopted in 2005. The system is in place and we can use it of course, and it has been used, but we will of course adapt it and adjust it to be able to deal with this form of health threat as well. Information for the public is very important, and is something we also do through the ECDC, both for the areas affected and also for travellers.
Technical guidance documents on the rapid detection of cases of chikungunya fever are in place, as the cornerstone for an effective epidemiological surveillance. Also, the ECDC has produced a robust package of technical guidance documents: information for health care workers; case definitions for chikungunya fever; and flow charts for identification of cases. These are available and are currently being used by the competent authorities to facilitate decision-making processes at national level.
We are also dealing immediately with the issue of blood safety, which is an important factor as well, with the cooperation of the national competent authorities. However, if the situation persists, my services are ready to adopt a new donor-deferral rule for this disease as well."@en1
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