National organisation for infectious disease control

In the Netherlands, municipal authorities (the council of mayor and aldermen) are responsible for general efforts to control infectious diseases and related outbreaks. The Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) implement the actual control measures. In the event of national outbreaks of exceptional infectious diseases (Category A infectious diseases - in Dutch) the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport is responsible for policy. This is laid down in the Public Health Act (Wet Publieke Gezondheid - WPG).

RIVM’s commissioned projects and expertise

The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport has commissioned the RIVM to coordinate national infectious disease control. The expertise that the RIVM uses in this regard includes:

• Surveillance and early detection

RIVM is always alert to existing and emerging infectious diseases. This enables RIVM to detect the threat and presence of existing and emerging infectious diseases quickly.

• Microbial diagnostic testing

Microbial diagnostic testing primarily serves individual patients. But the data resulting from this process is often also useful and necessary for the promotion and protection of public health.

• Modelling infectious diseases

RIVM uses models to investigate the chances of the spread of infectious diseases and how to prevent them. For example, it does so by modelling the vaccination coverage that is required for effective prevention, or by modelling what the effect of a control approach is.

• Vaccinology and immunology

Knowledge about immunology and vaccines is important in order to assess how well the human immune system works and how we can improve its protection. Vaccines also play a role in this protection. Via the Dutch National Immunisation Programme parents can have their children vaccinated against a number of severe infectious diseases free of charge.

• Social and behavioural science research

RIVM conducts behavioural and perception research and incorporates this knowledge into advice for effective prevention of and response to infectious diseases.

• Coordination and management

RIVM ensures effective prevention of infectious diseases. If necessary, the institute ensures a rapid response and control of outbreaks.

• International infectious disease control

RIVM cooperates with many international organisations in the field of infectious disease control. For example, with the WHO, the ECDC and international public health institutes.

Infectious diseases and overarching themes

Information about specific infectious diseases can be found at Topics | RIVM. In addition, there are themes pages on the following subjects:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
• Respiratory infections | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
• STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
• Zoonoses | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
• Gastroenteritis (in Dutch) | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

Other themes receiving attention from the perspective of infectious disease control:

• Vector-borne infectious diseases, such as diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks.
• The living environment and climate (in Dutch).
• Vaccinations (in Dutch).
• Upscaling infectious diseases: From signals to a national outbreak (in Dutch).

Information for professionals

Information on current reports, guidelines and other information for infectious disease control professionals can be found at Information on infectious disease control for professionals | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (in Dutch).