Effective communicable disease control

Society must maintain a high level of protection from communicable diseases so that the progress made in reducing the prevalence of these diseases is not lost. Measures for preventing the spread of communicable diseases are part of public health efforts. Listed below are some of the measures initiated by the Government to further improve national communicable disease control.

For "A new Communicable Diseases Act" - see separate page to the left.

Inquiry into the need for extraordinary communicable disease control measures

In January 2003, the Government appointed a special inquiry to conduct a review of the need for communicable disease control measures in extraordinary situations. Societys normal communicable disease control provides a good foundation for preventing and restricting the spread of infectious diseases. But should an outbreak of a serious infectious disease in Sweden or abroad become so serious that it cannot be dealt with through normal communicable disease control, society may need to take rapid action using extraordinary measures. The findings were reported in September 2003.

Special initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS

Since the mid-1980s, special government funds have been allocated for HIV prevention measures. During 2003, these funds amounted to over SEK 58 million. Many of the initiatives taken against HIV are of a preventive nature. The measures are intended to stimulate municipalities and county councils to implement local preventive activities.
During 2002, a national coordinating group was formed with representatives from the concerned agencies. The group, which is to develop efforts for preventing HIV, has also established links with a reference group consisting of representatives from a large number of actors in the field.

Since 1998, special funds have been allocated on a temporary basis for preventive measures against HIV in the three metropolitan areas. In 2003, these funds amounted to SEK 90 million.

Special investigator on societys measures to combat HIV/AIDS

In May 2002, the Government appointed a special investigator with the task of conducting a comprehensive survey of societys measures to combat HIV/AIDS. The investigators main task has been to present proposals for a national action plan aimed at restricting the spread of HIV/AIDS and limiting its consequences, as well as evaluating measures taken previously. The findings were reported in February 2004.