Detecting and monitoring infectious diseases is referred to as surveillance. This has always been one of RIVM’s most important tasks. The sooner RIVM is able to gain insight in the spread of infectious diseases, and the greater that insight is, the better we can prevent such diseases from spreading further.

RIVM performs surveillance at various levels. This includes immunological surveillance, which focuses on the level of protection against infectious diseases; surveillance of asymptomatic infections; and surveillance of ICU admissions in hospitals. This provides a comprehensive view of the presence and spread of the pathogen, the disease caused by infections, and the human level of protection against the disease. Several innovative surveillance methods were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, wastewater research has become more important and hospital and immunological surveillance have been expanded.

Surveillance data and privacy

Combining data makes it possible to answer questions about such issues as how disease spreads, the severity of an infectious disease and the groups most at risk from that pathogen.

Privacy is always a consideration in this context. For example, RIVM is exploring options for federated analysis of hospital data. This method would ensure that data from hospitals remains within their own systems, so hospitals only share analysis results with RIVM. As a result, hospitals would no longer have to share privacy-sensitive data with RIVM.

Data-centric approach  

RIVM is working on receiving, processing, storing and sharing data for surveillance and scientific research. RIVM has structured this work as efficiently as possible by standardising, automating and future-proofing processes. This means, for example, that RIVM laboratories and other laboratories are making a concerted effort to use the same national and international codes and language.

RIVM makes data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR). RIVM also ensures that the underlying ICT infrastructure can be scaled up. In the event of an outbreak, RIVM can therefore scale up response faster and more safely and share the necessary data more easily and with less human intervention. To achieve these enhancements in surveillance, RIVM is actively working with laboratories, hospitals, Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) and other partners in infectious disease control.  

Integrated collaboration

To achieve integrated collaboration in terms of surveillance, RIVM focuses on theme-based partnerships and on structures for governance and decision-making. RIVM gives insight into the various surveillance data flows and standardises criteria for making decisions on the use of surveillance tools. In this effort, RIVM works closely with various partners and on the basis of the One Health approach. Combining knowledge on such issues as the presence of pathogens in animals based on wastewater samples and veterinary care information is essential to gain a proper understanding of how diseases spread. Armed with that knowledge, RIVM can take proactive and effective action.

Projects 

RIVM has many ongoing projects to enhance surveillance. One tangible result is the completion of the test version of LabSentiNL, a platform for storing and visualising genetic data on pathogens for laboratories. In addition, an initial version of digital data exchange for surveillance through the NIVEL monitoring stations at GP practices went live in late 2024.

In partnership with the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) and their umbrella organisation (GGD GHOR Nederland), RIVM is exploring future ways to exchange data in the context of source and contact tracing and mandatory reporting. RIVM is also working on accessing data from healthcare institutions (hospitals and nursing homes) and organising information on common diseases, such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RIVM shares information and explanations with all parties concerned, including healthcare professionals and policymakers.