http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2009-4347&l
anguage=EN and selecting the language along the top. Tom]
E-4347/09EN
Answer given by Ms Vassiliou
on behalf of the Commission
(1.10.2009)
As the Commission has indicated in its replies to written questions E
4898/08 by Mr Kilroy-Silk, E 6262/08 by Mr Popa and E-3734/09 by Mr Higgins
, the nature of the two disorders, Fibromyalgia and the Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (CFS), have been, during years, controversially discussed. This
situation had given rise to major differences of opinion concerning the
ability of fibromyalgia and CFS patients to work, and to their entitlement
to social security benefits. In such context of scientific controversy, it
was difficult for the Commission to promote actions related to these
diseases. Nowadays it appears as an established and accepted fact that these
syndromes are genuine, severe and incapacitating disorders, even if
controversies remain, and even if there are still discussions in relation to
their most appropriate terminology and classification.
Consequently, the current version of the International Classification of
Diseases (ICD-10) includes Fibromyalgia (Code M79.7) and there is no reason
for refusal of treatment in any Member State on the basis of a supposed non
existence of the disease as in the past.
The Health Strategy adopted by the Commission privileges a "health
determinants approach" permitting to cover the prevention of non genetic
risk factors (e.g. obesity, physical activity, patterns of consumption,
social status, smoking, etc.) associated to a maximum number of diseases,
and a 'health information approach' permitting to evaluate the incidence and
outcome of diseases and the development of best practices on therapeutic
strategies, health economy aspects and research. In this context the
Commission is not in favour of singular approaches for every separate
disease or pathology.
From this point of view, the Commission Decision adopting the work plans
for the implementation of the Public Health Programme has established a
priority for work on information and definition of indicators on
neurodegenerative, neurodevelopment and non-psychiatric brain diseases in
relation to their prevalence, treatments, risk factors, risk reduction
strategies, best practices, cost of illness and social support, with
specific mention to chronic pain and CFS and fibromyalgia. A similar
approach is also feasible from the side of the needs of health information
for the musculoskeletal conditions.
In 2008, the Commission selected for funding a project European
Musculoskeletal Conditions Surveillance and Information Network coordinated
by the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust in the United Kingdom that might
contribute significantly to promote better understanding, knowledge and
information on musculoskeletal conditions in the EU including on
fibromyalgia.
1) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp
2) COM(2007) 630 final from 23.10.2007 "WHITE PAPER, Together for Health: A
Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013"
3) Commission Decision 2007/102/EC of 12 February 2007 adopting the work
plan for 2007 for implementation of the programme of Community action in the
field of public health (2003-2008), including the annual work programme for
grants, OJ L 46, 16.2.2007.
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