News item | 23-02-2023 | 10:00 am
To ensure that GGDs are better prepared for a possible next pandemic, Minister Ernst Kuipers (Public Health, Welfare and Sport) has made money available for 2023 and 2024. This concerns more than 37 million euros in 2023 and 38 million euros in 2024.
Minister Ernst Kuipers: “I think it is important that we are well prepared for a possible next major outbreak of an infectious disease. During the corona crisis, we were able to see how much was asked of the GGDs. At the same time, we could see where the vulnerabilities are. That is why we will be investing more in the GGDs in the coming years. So that the pandemic preparedness is at a higher level and we are better prepared for the next outbreak.”
The coalition agreement has agreed to strengthen pandemic preparedness. GGD GHOR and the GGD have drawn up the plan “Strengthening infectious disease control and pandemic preparedness of GGDs” for this purpose. The money released by VWS is intended for the implementation of this plan. The goal is to ensure that the first vulnerabilities in the pandemic preparedness of GGDs are removed in 2023 and 2024. For example, they will attract additional capacity, including expertise that proved valuable during the corona crisis. Activities are also being launched to strengthen regional cooperation.
The government has also commissioned research into the capacity of the GGDs with regard to infectious disease control. The report was presented to the House of Representatives today and will form the basis for structural reinforcements from 2025. Decisions will be made on this in the coming months.