Welcome to The Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (SMI)
It is the mission of the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (SMI), a governmental expert agency, to monitor the epidemiological situation for infectious diseases in humans. It is also responsible for promoting protection against such diseases.
Sweden is relatively well protected from the spread of infectious diseases. Good hygienic conditions prevail and public health is well developed. Medical progress and preventative measures protect the Swedish population from infections that, in other countries of the world, may cause large scale disasters.
However in spite of this, infectious disease prevention must be continuously maintained at a high level. It is vital that Sweden continues to vaccinate, trace infections, fight outbreaks, engage in research and disseminate information on infectious diseases. Otherwise there is a risk that diseases that are rare in Sweden, but which claim millions of victims in other parts of the world, will return. A high level of preparedness must also be maintained in order to prevent new infections such as SARS and avian influenza from gaining a foothold in Sweden.