Reports

Candida auris poses a threat to vulnerable patients in hospitals. In this report, the Superior Health Council provides an overview of the spread of Candida auris at global, European, and Belgian levels, and offers recommendations to control the spread of this yeast.

Gambling: no advertising and not before age 21

Much more prominent, varied and strong warnings on advertisements for lotteries, sports betting and other gambling activities, and a minimum age of 21 for participation. The Superior Health Council set out these recommendations in report 9790, as...

Noise pollution from aircraft can lead to sleep disorders, learning difficulties, high blood pressure and depression. Air traffic emissions have an overall negative impact on health.

Digitalisation could be part of the solution to long waiting times in mental health care. Digital interventions and apps can help with depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, among others.

Report of the Superior Health Council on the draft Royal Decree on the proposed programme (2023-2027) of the federal plan to reduce the use of plant protection products.

Every drop of alcohol increases the risk of serious diseases. Yet the public remains largely unaware of these risks.

A European law proposal is on the table to authorise the cultivation of NGT plants. These are plants created by the targeted application of new genomic techniques (NGT), such as CRISPR. If this law is adopted, NGT plants could dominate European agriculture in the near future.

The Superior Health Council was asked to comment on the health impact of PFAS and perchlorate in bottled water and water used in the food industry.

Healthcare professionals use intravascular catheters to deliver fluids and medication directly into patients' bloodstreams, and to monitor certain health parameters. However, breaking the skin barrier creates a gateway for microorganisms into the bloodstream, which can lead to serious infections...

People with mental vulnerability can find support and recognition from each other. Sharing experiences with people who have gone through similar challenges can have a beneficial effect on the recovery process.

Advice report of the Superior Health Council on a draft Royal Decree relating to the federal biocides reduction plan.

At the request of the federal minister of Environment, the Superior Health Council examined the environmental and health impact of mouth mask use, leading to the following conclusions: The protection provided by mouth masks during a pandemic greatly outweighs the potential health risks of...

Advice report of the Superior Health Council on a draft Royal Decree banning the export of certain dangerous substances to countries that are not members of the European Union.

The Superior Health Council issues a negative opinion on the commercialisation of food supplements containing only or mainly sodium chloride. They are potentially detrimental to public health as they may encourage excessive salt consumption.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in babies under one year old. Every winter, it puts a huge strain on the healthcare system in Belgium. During 2024, two new preventive drugs will appear on the Belgian market to combat this virus...

The Superior Health Council advises against the commercialisation of foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) containing breast milk intended for premature babies with (very) low birth weight. This advice is based on several considerations.

Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY has been part of the basic vaccination schedule for children and adolescents since 2019. For certain risk groups, the SHC recommends the meningococcal group B vaccine, with booster doses for both vaccines depending on the group. This new advice provides an...

Third National Environment-Health Action Plan (NEHAP3)

In this scientific advisory report, which offers guidance to public health policy-makers, the Superior Health Council of Belgium provides recommendations on vaccination against RSV (adults).

Draft Royal Decree regulating fumigation and defumigation