Strengthening Infectious Disease Control and Pandemic Preparedness in The Netherlands

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of a strong public health system. During the pandemic, infectious disease control departments of Dutch Regional Public Health Services (RPHSs) reached their limits. In preparation for new large outbreaks and pandemics, investments must be made in strengthening infectious disease control departments at RPHSs. In March-May 2022, the 25 RPHSs established a programme to reinforce their infectious disease control departments in 2023-2024. The programme addresses current vulnerabilities and focuses on five pillars: increasing staff capacity (1), improving cross-regional monitoring and surveillance (2), strengthening public health research infrastructure (3), improving cross-regional collaboration (4) and increasing training opportunities for professionals (5). The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is funding the two-year (2023-2024) national programme, assisting the 25 RPHSs to address regional and cross-regional vulnerabilities with 75 million euro. The programme started in January 2023 and already resulted in the start of new national consultation structures and the employment of many new infectious disease professionals, whilst considering task rearrangement of medical and non-medical professionals. RPHSs are working together with national partners to strengthen cross-regional monitoring and surveillance. A national consortium, together with infectious disease professionals at RPHS, is currently working on scientific knowledge enhancement and innovation in the public health work field. The programme provides national education opportunities and investigates career prospects of public health professionals. The programme provides insight in regional similarities and differences and identifies strengths and needs to improve infectious disease control. Outcomes of the programme are used by RPHSs and their national partners to determine what is needed for structural strengthening of infectious disease control departments. KEY MESSAGES: • The 25 Dutch RPHSs work together to strengthen infectious disease control. • The programme contributes to reinforcement, innovation and further professionalisation of the infectious disease control.