Health promotion and disease prevention are among RIVM's core tasks. As health promotion in the Netherlands involves many players, the challenge is to merge national and local approaches effectively. That is what the RIVM Centre for Healthy Living addresses. The Centre encourages systematic, informed approaches, supports local professionals and policy-makers and coordinates health promotion across the country.

Regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) plays an important role in physical activity research in the Netherlands by bridging science, practice and policy. Our independent scientific research makes us a trusted advisor to policy makers on the relationship between physical activity (including sports) and health and a systematic approach to the promotion of physical activity. In addition, our methodological expertise ensures that our policy advice is based on high-quality scientific evidence.

How people live and where, can have a significant influence on their health. There are many organisations in the Netherlands which work to improve public health. They provide advice to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle and devise measures to help them do so. These measures are known as ‘lifestyle interventions’. Many lifestyle interventions are based on the results of health surveys and screenings.