Actions for prevention and control of health threats related to maritime transport in European Union

Christos Hadjichristodoulou*, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Paolo Guglielmetti, Cinthia Menel Lemos, Gordon Nichols, Thierry Paux, Clara Schlaich, Miguel Davila Cornejo, Carmen Varela Martinez, Mauro Dionisio, Sybille Rehmet, Bogdan Jaremin, Jenny Kremastinou

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Actions at European Union level for International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 implementation and maritime transport were focused on two European projects implemented between 2006 and 2011. Method: Situation analysis and needs assessment were conducted, a Manual including European standards and best practice and training material was developed and training courses were delivered. Ship-to-port and port-to-port communication web-based network and database for recording IHR Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC) were established. Results: Fifty pilot inspections based on the Manual were conducted on passenger ships. A total of 393 corrective actions were implemented according to recommendations given to Captains during pilot inspections. The web-based communication network of competent authorities at ports in EU Member States was used to manage 13 events/outbreaks (dengue fever, Legionnaires' disease, gastroenteritis, meningitis, varicella and measles). The European information database system was used for producing and recording 1018 IHR SSC by 156 inspectors in 6 countries in accordance with the WHO Handbook for inspection of ships and issuance of SSC. Conclusions: Implementation of corrective actions after pilot inspections increased the level of compliance with the hygiene standards in passenger ships sailing within the EU waters and improved hygiene conditions. The communication tool contributed to improvement of outbreak identification and better management through rapid sharing of public health information, allowing a more timely and coordinated response. After the implementation of actions on passenger ships, the European Commission co-funded a Joint action that will expand the activities to all types of ships and chemical, biological and radio-nuclear threats (deliberate acts/accidental).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)238-242
Number of pages5
JournalTravel Medicine and Infectious Disease
Volume11
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2013

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The SHIPSAN projects have received funding from the European Commission under the Public Health Programs 2003–2008 and 2008–2013. However, the sole responsibility for the project lies with the authors, and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

Keywords

  • Health
  • International Health Regulations
  • Maritime
  • Ship
  • Travel

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