Reports

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)

Draft Royal Decree regulating fumigation and defumigation

So far, no transmission of COVID-19 through organ or tissue transplantation has been reported, except for lung transplants. But, as SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in many tissues and cells, the possibility of such transmission cannot be totally ruled out.

Alcohol may indeed be an ingredient in certain "health" products consumed by adolescents and children.

Since March 2023, the vaccine Qdenga® is available on the Belgian market. This vaccine reduces the risk of a severe course of dengue infection. The vaccine may be administered to children as young as 6 years old. Dengvaxia® is not available in Belgium and is not recommended to travellers.

The impact of cigarette filters on public health and the Belgian environment

The introduction of GDPR legislation has a major impact on the management and transfer of medical data, so also in the case of human organ and tissue donation. Yet the availability and safety of human body material crucially depends on the proper transfer of information. Limited or incomplete ...

The Superior Health Council is currently revising its 2004 advisory report no. 7617 “Fish and Health". This first part of the revised document, which was written jointly with the Scientific Committee set up at the FASFC, examines the risks associated with exposure to mercury and methylmercury ...

The Superior Health Council has updated the good practices for the sterilisation of medical devices. This comprehensive advisory report describes the essential steps for the correct processing of medical devices and for...

Increasing the age limit for blood donations from non-regular donors

Wearing a mask to prevent viral respiratory infections in all circumstances (pandemic, epidemic, endemic) in healthcare activities.

Patients with cystic fibrosis have specific nutritional needs due to their disease. Care should be taken to ensure that they receive enough energy and protein. They also have a greater need for minerals and fat-soluble vitamins.