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News 27th January 2004 First steps to strengthen fight against communicable diseases The European Parliament's Health Committee today gave its unanimous endorsement to a report by John Bowis MEP on establishing a European Centre for Disease Control to combat diseases such as SARS. The Centre will co-ordinate activity between Member States to ensure effective monitoring and control of existing and emerging health threats such as the avian flu outbreak in South East Asia and all communicable diseases. Conservative Health Spokesman in the European Parliament, John Bowis MEP, said: "The news bulletins remind us that there is an urgent need to establish a Centre which can support Member States to respond to health threats. Our aim is to replace the ad hoc situation we have now with a formal structure to improve co-operation between Member States on this vital health issue. This proposal demonstrates the positive contribution the EU can make by sharing good practice, research and expertise." Notes: - The final vote
on the Report will take place at the Plenary Session in Strasbourg in
February. |
