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Fostering Collaboration for Paediatric Demand-Driven Innovation : Insights and Strategies from the ADD4KIDS Working Group
No full textInnovation has long been the driving force behind improvements in healthcare, offering new treatments, technological advancements, and digital solutions that can transform lives. Yet, in paediatric healthcare, the path from innovation to implementation remains complex and fragmented. Despite the rapid advancements in medical technology, children continue to have limited access to the latest healthcare solutions. The adoption of innovation in paediatric settings is significantly slower than in adult healthcare, leaving a gap that urgently needs to be addressed. Moreover, children are not just “small adults”—their physiology, development, and disease progression differ fundamentally from those of adults. Many serious paediatric diseases arise from development-related issues and are often genetic in nature. In contrast, diseases in adults frequently stem from epigenetic changes and age-related alterations. This fundamental distinction underscores the necessity for paediatric-specific research and innovation rather than adapting adult medical advancements for children. To bridge this gap, targeted research and innovation must be prioritized to address the unique healthcare needs of children. Paediatric-focused advancements in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and digital health solutions should be encouraged to ensure timely and effective care. Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders are essential to accelerate the adoption of paediatric innovations. The challenges that exist are well known: high development costs, complex regulatory pathways, and a lack of specific procurement frameworks tailored to paediatric needs. A striking example of this disparity is the limited adoption of paediatric-specific medical devices. Data shows that while the regulatory landscape has evolved to support medical advancements, only a small fraction of new devices and treatments designed for children ever make it to widespread clinical use. As a result, paediatric hospitals often rely on outdated or repurposed adult solutions that may not be ideally suited for young patients. At SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, one of Europe’s leading paediatric centres, we have witnessed first-hand both the transformative potential of medical innovation as well as the systemic barriers preventing its adoption. Addressing this challenge requires a paradigm shift—a move from reactive, fragmented procurement processes to a proactive, structured approach that prioritises the real needs of paediatric healthcare providers and patients. This is precisely the vision behind the ADD4KIDS project. By leveraging demand-driven funding mechanisms such as Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) and Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI), ADD4KIDS offers a European Action Plan to overcoming these barriers. The project brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders—healthcare providers, policymakers, industry players, and patient advocates—to create an ecosystem where paediatric innovation can thrive. At the heart of this initiative is the belief that innovation is not just about developing new technologies—it is about ensuring that those technologies reach the children who need them. Hospitals do not lack innovative solutions; they lack the pathways to efficiently integrate them into everyday clinical practice. ADD4KIDS serves as the missing link, bridging the gap between promising medical advancements and real-world healthcare delivery. The European healthcare community has both the expertise and the responsibility to act. By fostering collaboration, aligning priorities, and embracing smarter procurement strategies, we can accelerate the adoption of life-changing innovations in paediatrics. This White Paper serves both as a reflection on the existing challenges as well as a call to action to rethink how we approach innovation in paediatric healthcare. Through ADD4KIDS, we have the opportunity to reshape the future of paediatric medicine. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that children across Europe receive the best possible care—not in the distant future, but starting today.
Dr. Joan X. Comella Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Management SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital</p
NSIH surveillances: Noemermodule en gemeenschappelijk gebruikte variabelen: protocol 2025
No full textValidation of a code based data collection method in primary care for Influenza like illness surveillance in Belgium: Protocol
No full textImpact du nirsevimab sur les infections pédiatriques au VRS en Belgique en 2024-2025 : une analyse des données de surveillance sentinelle de routine de Sciensano
No full textNous estimons que 35 à 45 % des hospitalisations ont été évitées grâce à l’introduction du nirsevimab.
Nous estimons que l’introduction du nirsevimab a permis de diminuer de 35 à 45 % les hospitalisations liées à une infection au VRS chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans. On estime que cela correspond à environ 4000 cas. Ceci a contribué à diminuer significativement la pression sur les soins de santé pédiatriques.
Le VRS exerce une pression importante sur les soins de santé
Le VRS est une cause importante d’hospitalisations chez les jeunes enfants, exerçant une pression importante sur les soins de santé durant la saison du VRS. Les bébés de moins de 1 an entamant leur première saison, le groupe à risque principal, étaient éligibles à l’immunisation à partir d’octobre 2024.
Le nirsevimab contribue à diminuer la pression sur les soins de santé
L’efficacité de l’immunisation contre les hospitalisations au VRS est estimé à 85,63 %. Nous estimons que 35 à 45 % d’hospitalisations ont été évitées dans la cohorte des enfants de moins de 5 ans grâce à l’introduction du nirsevimab réduisant significativement la pression sur les soins de santé.
La pression sur les soins de santé pourrait encore diminuer en augmentant la couverture d’immunisation
Pour la dernière saison, nous estimons la couverture de l’immunisation à 62-74 %. Une augmentation à 90 % de la couverture permettrait de réduire de 10-15 % supplémentaires le nombre d’hospitalisations. Cela représenterait environ 1500 cas supplémentaires évités.</p
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in Belgian hospitals: National report, data up to and including 2023
No full textMicrobiological hygiene and food safety assessment of urban aquaponic farming.
No full textAquaponic production presents a promising approach in developing sustainable (urban) food systems, through combined production of plants and aquatic organisms for food. A commercial aquaponic farm was subjected to a longitudinal microbiological assessment of hygiene and food safety. Foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes), indicator bacteria (generic E. coli, coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae) and total plate counts were determined during two distinct two-month production periods, focused on basil production from seed to mature plant and all water streams composing the irrigation water. The results indicated no direct food safety concerns to consumers, with neither Salmonella spp., nor Listeria monocytogenes detected on the ready-to-market basil leaves. The soilless substrate and irrigation water were identified as major risk factors for introducing and spreading foodborne pathogenic bacteria within the aquaponic environment. Overall, E. coli was present (LOD 1 CFU/100 mL or 10 CFU/g) in 21.1 % of samples and Salmonella spp. was detected in 8 out of 94 analyses. Generic E. coli was not a suitable marker for Salmonella spp. presence in irrigation water within the aquaponic farm. Strong correlations were found between Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms in water samples, however, elevated levels were not linked to positive Salmonella spp. detection. To mitigate microbiological food safety risks in aquaponics, the use of fit-for-purpose water, establishing a water quality monitoring plan, implementing effective UV treatment and applying appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols are recommended. The implementation of tailored good agricultural practices (GAP) is key to ensure safe food production within aquaponic farming.</p
Surveillance épidémiologique de Campylobacter (2019-2024)
No full textMessages-clés:
- Après une diminution du nombre de cas entre 2019 et 2021, nous constatons une augmentation du nombre de cas de Campylobacter signalés en 2024. — Entre 2019 et 2024, comme les années précédentes, la tranche d’âge des moins de 5 ans a été la plus touchée, avec davantage de cas rapportés pendant les mois d’été. — Les tendances sont comparables dans les différentes régions avec une incidence plus élevée en Flandre qu’en Wallonie et à Bruxelles. — Sur la base d’une enquête menée auprès de tous les laboratoires de Belgique en 2022, la couverture de la surveillance de Campylobacter via le réseau de laboratoires sentinelles est estimée à 39%. Cette enquête a montré qu’une répartition inégale des laboratoires participants dans les différentes régions de Belgique peut expliquer les différences d’incidences par région. — L’augmentation en 2024 sur la base du réseau des laboratoires vigies doit encore être confirmée en tenant compte de la participation des laboratoires à la surveillance et les changements de pratiques diagnostiques.</p
