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News 10th February 2004 EU fight against communicable disease The EU will be better prepared to combat SARS and other communicable diseases following a vote in the European Parliament today. MEPs have endorsed a report by Conservative Health Spokesman in the European Parliament, John Bowis, to establish a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The centre will co-ordinate activity between Member States to ensure a rapid EU-wide response to health threats such as the avian flu outbreak in South East Asia or bio-terrorism. It will provide national bodies with independent technical assistance and research. The aim is to augment rather than replace decision-making by national Governments. John Bowis MEP, said: "The EU must not be found wanting on this vital issue. It should be able to act swiftly to identify health threats and respond effectively. Until now, Member States have relied upon an ad hoc informal set-up to co-operate and this must be strengthened. The proposal demonstrates the positive contribution the EU can make by sharing good practice, research and expertise. We cannot afford to be complacent, as the global experience with SARS showed. The centre will allow the EU to be proactive and not just reactive. This measure will enhance our community and national ability to look after public health throughout the EU and it will enable us to work with countries outside the EU to prevent, to control and to defeat the health threats we face." Notes: - The European
Commission has managed a Communicable Diseases Network since 1999, funded
through the Health Action Programme. |
