The number of appointments at the Sexual Health Centres in the Netherlands that were related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) dropped by 8% in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in the previous year. The decrease was most significant among women and heterosexual men.

In 2023, the 3 population screening programmes for cancer revealed cancer or precancerous abnormalities in more than 27,000 people. This is evident from the monitoring reports on the population screening programmes for colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the heel prick test (or newborn blood spot screening) in the Netherlands. This test involves the collection of a few drops of blood from newborn babies and screening the blood for serious...

In 2023, more people had themselves tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The total number of consultations at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was 172,113. That represents an increase of 4% compared to 2022.

The number of people in the Netherlands with gonorrhoea is continuing to increase significantly. Diagnosed cases of this sexually transmitted infection increased by 31% in 2023, compared to 2022. These cases involved people who were tested at a sexual health centre operated by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

The number of consultations for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was higher in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. Notably, the number of gonorrhoea cases continues to rise.

The number of participants in the population screening programmes for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer continues to decline. This decline has been going on for years, reaching its lowest point in 2020.

Since 1 October, the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) has been added to the Dutch newborn blood spot screening. From now on, the blood of newborn boys will also be tested for this disorder. ALD in boys can be treated if it is detected in time.

More people got tested for an STI at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) in 2022 than in 2021. There were a total of 164,715 consultations at SHCs. The percentage of people found to have an STI (21%) was also higher than in 2021.