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- Kinsman, John, et al.
(författare)
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Good practices and challenges in addressing poliomyelitis and measles in the European Union
- 2018
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Ingår i: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press. - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 28:4, s. 730-734
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: All European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) Member States have pledged to ensure political commitment towards sustaining the region's poliomyelitis-free status and eliminating measles. However, there remain significant gaps between policy and practice in many countries. This article reports on an assessment conducted for the European Commission that aimed to support improvements in preparedness and response to poliomyelitis and measles in Europe.Methods: A documentary review was complemented by qualitative interviews with professionals working in International and EU agencies, and in at-risk or recently affected EU/EEA Member States (six each for poliomyelitis and measles). Twenty-six interviews were conducted on poliomyelitis and 24 on measles; the data were subjected to thematic analysis. Preliminary findings were then discussed at a Consensus Workshop with 22 of the interviewees and eight other experts.Results: Generic or disease-specific plans exist in the participating countries and cross-border communications during outbreaks were generally reported as satisfactory. However, surveillance systems are of uneven quality, and clinical expertise for the two diseases is limited by a lack of experience. Serious breaches of protocol have recently been reported from companies producing poliomyelitis vaccines, and vaccine coverage rates for both diseases were also sub-optimal. A set of suggested good practices to address these and other challenges is presented.Conclusions: Poliomyelitis and measles should be brought fully onto the policy agendas of all EU/EEA Member States, and adequate resources provided to address them. Each country must abide by the relevant commitments that they have already made.
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| 2. |
- Plamboeck, Agneta H., et al.
(författare)
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Laboratory analysis of CBRN-substances : Stakeholder networks as clue to higher CBRN resilience in Europe
- 2016
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Ingår i: TrAC. Trends in analytical chemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-9936 .- 1879-3142. ; 85:Part B, s. 2-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The threat of terrorists using CBRN agents continues to pose a risk of mass casualties and severe disruption of societal functions in Europe. Standardisation of crisis management activities is one important step towards effective national and international interoperability and increased resilience. Understanding which CBRN agents are involved in an incident is vital for appropriate response measures. We applied a system's view on the process of CBRN sample analysis and see three discrete applications; Immediate incident response, Forensics, Post incident monitoring. Together with laboratory experts and policy makers from across Europe we identified needs for quality assurance measures in these three areas. Here, we suggest various harmonisation activities that can facilitate interoperability between all stakeholders concerned with CBRN sample analysis. Foremost, we recommend purpose-oriented laboratory networks, but also minimum performance requirements for First Responders' detection and sampling capabilities, best practices for sample transport and documentation.
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