Jantien Backer’s current research focuses on three topics. First, when a new infectious disease (re)emerges, fast methods are needed to provide insight in the transmission paths, to assist disease control decisions. Secondly, technological advances have led to increasingly faster and cheaper genetic sequencing data of pathogens. Using this type of data in dynamic transmission models can help to understand the spread of the pathogen in the population. Third, contact surveys in which participants keep track of their contacts over a day provide insight into behavior and contact patterns, not only under normal circumstances, but also during periods when control measures are in place. The ultimate goal of all these topics is to inform decision makers about the most effective control options during an outbreak.

Don Klinkenberg is infectious disease modeller at the department of Modelling of Infectious Disease. He wants to understand the spread of infectious diseases, to use it for advising on public health. The use of data is essential, and combining different sources and types of data is what he finds most interesting and challenging. He prefers analysis of data by using models that he specifically develops and adjusts for the particular problem that has to be addressed. Don developed a method for the use of genetic differences between viruses or bacteria sampled from individual patients, to identify whom infected whom during an outbreak. This method is publicly available as a piece of software: an R-package (www.github.com/donkeyshot/phybreak). During the COVID-19 pandemic he worked on a transmission model for SARS-CoV-2 to make prognoses for hospital and IC-admission, and to evaluate scenarios. He also worked on a model to evaluate CoronaMelder, the app by which users could be notified when they had had contact with an infected person. Other topics are the spread of measles within and between schools, and a better understanding of infectious disease spread by modelling human behaviour.

Many expectant parents wonder whether their child will be healthy. That is understandable. Fortunately, the vast majority of children are born healthy. This brochure gives you (and your partner) information about the 20-week ultrasound scan. The 20-week ultrasound scan checks for spina bifida and anencephaly. The ultrasound operator also checks to see how the foetus’s organs are developing. This examination is part of prenatal screening.

Every year, around 900 people get cervical cancer. Every year, around 200 people die from this disease. Cervical cancer is most common among women between 30 and 60 years old. That is why we invite these women to take part in the cervical cancer screening programme. See the explanation in easy language (by Steffie) We use the population screening to detect if someone is at risk of cervical cancer. Early detection can prevent cervical cancer. People who take part in the population screening are at a lower risk of cervical cancer. If you are between 30 and 60 years old, you will receive an invitation for the cervical cancer screening programme. You can take part in two ways: Using a self-sampling device at home You can take part in the population screening at home. You get the self-sampling device from Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland (the Centre for Population Screening). Going to your GP practice for a smear test You can make an appointment for a smear test at your GP practice.