The Netherlands is better equipped to handle a major outbreak of disease when it is well-prepared. That is why the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is strengthening and enhancing infectious disease control in the Netherlands, as commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).
In doing so, RIVM focuses on the following themes:
- Surveillance
- Microbial diagnostics
- National and regional infectious disease control
- Research and research readiness
- Zoonosis monitoring
- Behavioural research
RIVM has teamed up with experts and organisations in the Netherlands and abroad to address these themes. Read more on this topic under: Read more on this topic under:
• International collaboration
RIVM’s Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb) had already been working on these themes and partnerships before the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, they have received much more attention, and RIVM has ensured in various ways that the Netherlands is as prepared as possible for any major infectious disease outbreaks. Other parts of the organisation also play a major role in this effort, such as the National Functionality for Upscaling Infectious Disease Control (LFI) for medical-operational upscaling, behavioural science researchers, and the Information Services for Infectious Disease Control (IV IZB) programme for the digital infrastructure required to support infectious disease control.
One Health approach
The efforts to strengthen infectious disease control are guided by the One Health approach: good public health is dependent on good human, animal and environmental health.
Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic
This page explains how RIVM is using the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and best practices to strengthen infectious disease prevention and control in the Netherlands.