Longer Life in Good Health Central to Policy

Based on the National Health Policy Note 2025-2028, municipalities, public health services (GGD), regional and local partners will work on further developing and establishing municipal health policies. The Public Health Act (Wpg) requires municipalities to do this within 2 years after the publication of the national note. Municipal health policy – from welfare facilities to healthy design of public spaces – is important because people notice its effects in daily life.

State Secretary Tielen: “The health challenges of our time are extensive. For example, we face aging populations, but health disparities also require attention, both between different income groups and between women and men. Lifestyle has a major impact, and mental health – especially among young people – is under pressure. As a society, we are called upon in many ways to address these challenges as best as possible. And we will be actively working on this – nationally, regionally, and locally, hand in hand with municipalities – in the coming years. For all of us, progress in life begins with growing up, developing, and living in the best possible health: physically, mentally, and socially.”

Examples of priorities receiving attention in the development of national and local health policies:

• To increase vaccination rates, efforts include expanding and intensifying the neighborhood-focused vaccination approach, which has already yielded good initial results in Amsterdam.
• The national government and municipalities collaborate to promote and protect sexual health. With the knowledge and experience of the GGD, municipalities are encouraged to structurally include sexual health in their health policies and connect it with themes such as mental health, (excessive) substance use, living environment, and social safety.
• The national government and municipalities jointly aim to sustainably improve mental health, with special attention to young people and other risk groups. Municipal (and digital) walk-in facilities where people can turn with questions and concerns play an important role.
• As of January 1, 2026, the Integral Suicide Prevention Act comes into effect. This also means that municipalities will be responsible for developing a broad and coherent local approach to suicide prevention. Municipalities will receive €10 million annually from the Municipal Fund starting in 2026 for this purpose.
• Local partners focus on preventing and reducing overweight, for example through childcare, schools, and youth health care. And of course also by encouraging sports and physical activity.
• Regarding womens health, the ZonMw knowledge program on Women-specific Health, started last year, contributes to building a national network of healthcare professionals, researchers, patient associations, insurers, and employers. This network is developing a platform so women can find the right care faster. The National Womens Health Strategy will be developed into a concrete work agenda in 2026.

The National Health Policy Note 2025-2028 was created in close cooperation with the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), GGD GHOR Netherlands, and a broad delegation of municipalities and GGDs.