CONI, the 'Institute of Sports Medicine and Science and the National Institute for Infectious Diseases - INMI 'L. Spallanzani', have just signed a memorandum of cooperation which foresees a series of actions to evaluate the risk of infection for athletes participating at the next Olympic Games in Rio, to plan preventive actions and the management potential situations with any risk of infection.

This agreement (photo Mezzelani - GMT) consolidates the relationship between CONI and INMI who have worked together in the past on prevention initiatives for major sporting events both in Italy and abroad. The model that CONI and INMI have developed over the past months and which today sees its conclusion was well-planned and pre-empted recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control. This model is particularly relevant this year due to the Zika epidemic and also includes monitoring athletes once they return. It represents an individualised path, the planning of timely outpatient monitoring and diagnostic services and treatment, and where appropriate, 24 hour specialist advice through its dedicated teleconsultation service, as well the creation of an information handbook distributed to Italian delegations involved abroad.

"Two great organisations come together to support our team during this essential experience in Rio - said the CEO of CONI SERVICES, Alberto Miglietta -. We are happy to have done it with the Spallanzani Institute. The Olympic Committee and CONI Services are always on the look out for agreements with organisations that represent best of Italy. We believe to be so, and so is the Spallanzani Institute ".

"The National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) 'L. Spallanzani ', declares Marta Branca, Special Commissioner INMI, once again shows to be a facility able to deal with all aspects of infectious diseases on hand to help all Italians and athletes who represent us in the world. I am filled with enthusiasm by the quiet and dedicated work of our professionals and researchers that allows to quickly provide the institutions, in this case to CONI, the necessary scientific and cultural contribution. "

Witnessing the signing of the protocol, which took place at the Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, was Dr. Antonio Spataro, medical director of the IMSS and Dr. Giuseppe Ippolito, the scientific director of INMI.
"This will provide additional protection for the Italian delegation to Rio -said Antonio Spataro - regarding various diseases and, therefore, the signing of this agreement pleases me a great deal."
“The model that CONI and INMI have developed over the past few months, explains Giuseppe Ippolito, and which today sees its conclusion was well-planned and pre-empted recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control. “