Minister Dalli participates at informal ministerial meetings on Health and Social Policy organised by the Swedish presidency
[07/07/2009]No. 1174
Minister Dalli participates at informal ministerial meetings on
Health and Social Policy organised by the Swedish Presidency.
The Hon John Dalli, Minister for Social Policy, is presently in Sweden to participate
in two Ministerial meetings organised by the Swedish Presidency.
A meeting for Ministers of Health is taking place between the 6 and 7 July.
The first item that was discussed is the Influenza Pandemic.
Ministers shared information on the steps they are taking to contain and mitigate
the spread of the infection. Ministers called for the need to continue to share
information and to evaluate the emerging results on the quality and safety of the
potential vaccines prior to embarking on full scale vaccination campaigns.
The need for solidarity with developing countries was also highlighted.
Minister Dalli explained how the outbreak in Malta was being managed.
He also called for central authorisation of the vaccines and for central guidance
on identification of risk groups as more evidence becomes available.
Ministers listened to a message from Dr Margaret Chan, Director General
of the World Health Organisation through a live video link.
Dr Chan emphasised the importance of non-pharmaceutical methods to control
the spread of the infection. She reiterated that at present the virus remains moderate and is not causing severe infection.
She however also alerted Ministers about the need to remain vigilant and prepared to take necessary action in the coming weeks and months.
Ministers pledged to continue to work closely and collaborate to ensure that the health of the European population is protected and safeguarded in the best possible manner.
Ministers are also discussing antimicrobial resistance, ways of regulating advertising of alcohol to young people to prevent harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption as well as
the European Parliament report on the patients rights directive.
Between Wed 8 and Thursday 9 July, Minister Dalli will participate at the meeting of Ministers for Social Policy where he will address a workshop on the theme of
Increasing Access to Employment through an Active Social Security Policy.
DOI – 07.07.2009
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