Public health: Community action programme 1999-2003 on injury prevention, EHLASS incl.

PURPOSE: to establish a programme of Community action on injury prevention for the period 1999 to 2003. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Decision 372/1999/EC of the European Parliament adopting a programme of Community action on injury prevention in the framework for action in the field of public health (1999 to 2003). CONTENT: this programme, which will have a budget of EURO 14 million for the period 01/01/1999 to 31/12/2003, will contribute to the public health activities aimed at reducing the incidence of injuries caused by home and leisure accidents, by promoting: - the epidemiological monitoring of injuries by means of a Community system for the collection of data and the exchange of information on injuries; - information exchanges on the use of those data to contribute to the definition of priorities and better prevention strategies. An annex sets out details of the Community system for the collection of data and the exchange of information. The system will be largely based on strengthening and improving on the achievements of the former EHLASS system and will use the common criteria for codification established by that system. Particular attention will be given to the comparability and compatability of the data collected. The annex also specifies the process of information exchange between the Member States. Provisions are notably made for supporting the creation of Community networks concerning the epidemiology of injuries by means of the creation of a database that includes the results of surveys undertaken in the Member States, the dissemination of information, the identification of dangerous products, prevention strategies.... The European Commission will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the programme, in close cooperation with the Member States and organisations active in the field of injury prevention. It will be assisted by a committee with a variety of competences, depending on the areas being addressed. The programme will be implemented in consistency and complementarity with other Community actions in the field of public health (eg. Community initiatives in the field of industrial accidents, road safety, product safety and civil protection). The Commission will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the programme. It will present an evaluative report to the European Parliament and the Council during the third year of operation of the programme, incorporatinf information on Community financing within the framework of the programme. A final report will also be submitted upon completion of the programme. The programme is open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe as well as Cyprus and Malta. It will also be open to cooperation by international organisations competent in the sphere of public health. On the basis of the interim evaluative report, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to the programme. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 08/02/1999.�