On 21 October 2022, the Dutch government has presented the first Dutch Global Health Strategy 2023-2030 (Dutch; Nederlandse Mondiale Gezondheidsstrategie 2023-2030: Samen zorgen voor gezondheid wereldwijd). Task Force Health Care (TFHC) has provided input for the development of the strategy. We welcome this new strategy and are pleased that the importance of globally strengthening health systems has been emphasized and formalized by the new strategy.
TFHC is glad to see a focus in the strategy on access to primary health care, broadening the scope of Dutch efforts in health system strengthening. The support of primary healthcare systems and the emphasis on using technological innovations to achieve this goal are welcomed. As highlighted in the strategy, the Netherlands is strong in digital, technological and social innovation in increasing access to primary healthcare.
In addition, we appreciate the focus on stimulating public-private collaboration in the scaling of circular, digital, and innovative solutions. As the new strategy recognizes, the private sector can positively influence the access and quality of healthcare by introducing sustainable business models that offer smart and predictable financing.
This positive and effective influence of the Dutch Life Sciences and Health Sector on strengthening healthcare systems globally was exemplified in the LSH trade mission to Kenya in November 2022. A group of 13 Dutch organizations traveled to Kenya. The delegation represented the Dutch diamond approach, as government, business, knowledge institutions, and civil society were represented among delegation members. Throughout the week, there was built upon the strong and longstanding collaboration in healthcare between the Netherlands and Kenya, in both public and private sectors. TFHC co-organized this mission with the Netherlands African Business Council (NABC), handelsroute.nl, Africa Health Business (AHB), Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), and the Dutch Embassy in Kenya.
We are looking forward to collaborating, together with our partners from the Dutch life sciences & health business community, knowledge institutions, and NGOs with international activities, in moving forward on the implementation of the Global Health Strategy. This can be done through the Global Health Hub, a means established by the strategy to promote intersectoral cooperation.
We believe national and international intersectoral cooperation in such a Global Health Hub is an important method for tackling global health challenges, as Task Force Health Care has been doing for 25 years. Do you want to join us on this journey? Then contact sterre.bergman@tfhc.nl or have a look at our webpage.
