RIVM has calculated the societal costs and benefits of a group‑based programme for parents. This programme is intended for parents whose children (aged 2–12 years) are at increased risk of developing a behavioural disorder.

The government is considering introducing a sugar tax on food products. RIVM has examined two possible options for such a tax: one on products containing at least six grams of sugar per 100 grams (the 6% variant) and another on those containing at least 20 grams of sugar per 100 grams (the 20% variant). The study shows what proportion of the sugars consumed in the Netherlands would then be taxed.

The Netherlands has taken important steps in addressing hepatitis B and C infections over the past ten years. However, more effort is needed to significantly reduce the number of new and untreated hepatitis B and C infections. This is stated in the new RIVM National Hepatitis Plan 2026–2030.

How well is the Dutch population protected against infectious diseases? RIVM investigates this every ten years through the PIENTER study. The fourth round of the study began earlier this month. In total, around 125,000 people in the Netherlands will receive an invitation to take part over the coming year.

Climate change, such as drought and extreme weather, has a major impact on European food systems. Technological developments, geopolitical unrest and conflicts also play an important role. This is shown by a literature review carried out by RIVM and international workshops held with policymakers, experts and representatives from industry and civil society.

In autumn and winter, the number of people who cough, sneeze and sniffle often increases. This is the start of the respiratory infections season. Various pathogens, such as the flu virus (influenza), RS virus and coronavirus, can cause respiratory infections (RI).

In 2025, 71 per cent of people had PFAS levels in their blood above the health-based guidance value. This is shown by new RIVM research. In the previous study, which used blood samples from 2016 and 2017, this was the case for almost everyone.

Occupational physicians mainly focus on supporting employees during sickness absence, leaving less room for preventive tasks such as open consultation hours or workplace visits. Although almost every occupational physician sees prevention as part of their role, only 57 percent expect to be able to carry out preventive tasks. This is one of the conclusions of Suzanne Orhan Pees’s PhD thesis, has defended last 22 September at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The current policy on sport and physical activity in the Netherlands expires at the end of this year. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) investigated how societal developments could affect sport and physical activity up to 2040. The government can respond to these developments through new policy. RIVM has also expanded an existing computational model.

With autumn approaching, the RSV immunisation programme is resuming today, in which babies receive an injection as protection against RSV. This protects them from serious RSV infections, which are most prevalent in autumn and winter. Babies receiving an injection are 80% less likely to end up in hospital as a result of an RSV infection. The injection has been offered as part of the National Immunisation Programme to all babies up to the age of one since 2025.