This division collects and collates available knowledge with regard to health, disease and health care services. RIVM then uses this knowledge in the service of government, health care professionals and the general public. The prime objective of the division is to improve public health by better management of care and prevention efforts, public information and education, knowledge development and policy advice.

The Public Health and Health Services Division is a knowledge organization which supports policy-making and regulatory activities as well as overseeing national prevention programmes. It conducts research into behaviour likely to influence the health status of the Dutch population, and into the uptake of health care services in the Netherlands. The division also helps to coordinate health promotion and prevention programmes at national level, such as the cancer and perinatal screening programmes and the national flu prevention programme. Every four years, the division produces the 'Public Health Status and Forecasts Report', which is developed in close collaboration with key experts and institutes across the country. The report sets out relevant trends and developments as regards the state of public health the The Netherlands. The division also maintains a public website (www.kiesbeter.nl) which offers reliable information to citizens about all health service providers in the Netherlands, in order to inform and facilitate patient choice.

Clients and partners
This division's main clients are the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the Health Care Inspectorate (IGZ).

Director of this division is Dr. Ir. Moniek Pieters (her CV and the division's contact address).
The organization scheme below provides links to more information on RIVM's divisions, laboratories and centres, including the relevant contact addresses.