Established RIVM tasks have been combined into a new RIVM domain: Prevention Programmes and Public Health Upscaling. The domain has two primary tasks: to organise prevention programmes, such as population screening, immunisation programmes and other screenings, and to ensure that the Netherlands can rapidly scale up the public health response during large-scale infectious disease outbreaks.
The domain directs and coordinates the national prevention programmes offered by the Dutch Government. We organise the population screening programmes for cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. We also organise the National Immunisation Programme for childhood immunisations, and adult vaccinations against influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease and COVID-19.
We organise prenatal and postnatal screening during pregnancy and after childbirth. During pregnancy, the following screening tests are provided:
- prenatal screening for infectious diseases and erythrocyte immunisation (PSIE)
- noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT);
- ultrasound scan (structural echoscopic screening, SEO).
After the baby is born, two more screening tests are performed: the neonatal heel prick test and the neonatal hearing screening.
We act as a linking pin between the various parties involved in policymaking and implementation. We organise and support the network proactively and focus on the further development of prevention programmes and the successful implementation of new programmes.