Cathalijne Dortmans presented as Q fever ambassador

The Q fever ambassador is tasked with improving the situation of people with Q fever fatigue syndrome (QVS) and Chronic Q fever (CQK) in the Netherlands. With this appointment, the approach to Q fever gains a face for patients. Cathalijne Dortmans will focus on four themes: centering the Q fever patient, access to and strengthening of services, exploration for improved care, and securing knowledge and expertise. She will work closely with existing parties such as the Q-support foundation, the Q-uestion patient organization, the province of North Brabant, and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).

Cathalijne Dortmans has a long service record within the government and the House of Representatives. From 2018-2024, she was a councilor in Helmond with a portfolio that included Youth, Education, Health, and Integration, a member of the board of the VNG, and chair of GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. Prior to that, she held various positions at the ministries of Finance, General Affairs, and VWS, the House of Representatives, and the province of North Brabant. She was also a member of the Advisory Committee on the progress of the benefits recovery operation.

In addition to the appointment of a Q fever ambassador, VWS continues to work towards the recognition and acknowledgment of Q fever patients. VWS has agreed with the Q-support foundation to increase training for professionals, such as general practitioners, UWV doctors, and municipal employees. Furthermore, it is expected that the outcomes of research programs funded by VWS for post-COVID and ME/CFS will also benefit knowledge about Q fever. This also applies to the knowledge being gained in the post-COVID expertise centers.