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VOICE-OVER: This is a film about RIVM,
the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
RIVM protects and promotes public health and the environment.
From the quality of the urban setting to that of food production in rural areas.
Sooner or later everyone in the Netherlands is affected by RIVM's work,
which has its roots in society itself.
This film shows some aspects of that work, including what happens behind the scenes
at locations such as the Centre for Infectious Disease Control.
The government's national immunisation programme
has been in place for almost sixty years.
We provide information to parents and children
through local child and youth health services.
Many organisations and individuals are involved in infectious disease control.
RIVM advises the government and the professional field.
We direct and co-ordinate the necessary action
in the event of a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease.
We research diseases that can be passed from animals to humans,
such as bird flu, Q fever and Lyme disease.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the international spearheads
of the Dutch Ministry of Health. RIVM formulates guidelines
for the responsible use of antibiotics.
Whether RIVM is advising the government or healthcare professionals,
an independent position is essential.
Clients have absolutely no influence over the research methods we employ
or our results.
Reports are published on our website. They include public health surveys.
We grow up, we age. How healthy are the Dutch?
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VOICE-OVER: How does lifestyle change over time?
We monitor various groups and identify trends.
For example, we conduct food consumption surveys
to learn what people eat.
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VOICE-OVER: RIVM monitors public health trends over the course of many years.
What can be said about the costs of healthcare provision?
What diseases are particularly common?
The government promotes and protects public health in many ways,
including the heel prick tests for newborn babies
and the screening programmes for breast cancer and bowel cancer.
We manage and co-ordinate the screening programmes.
The objective is to identify
any health problems at the earliest possible opportunity.
RIVM also researches the safety of medicines and medical devices.
We analyse suspect drugs and food supplements.
As a knowledge institute, RIVM enjoys a high international reputation.
Our researchers are reliable, accountable and impartial.
RIVM works for the government on behalf of society at large.
The Dutch government must use every means at its disposal
to keep the population healthy and safe.
RIVM conducts research into all aspects of public health and environmental quality,
anticipating potential threats.
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Using a special smartphone app
people can help to monitor ultrafine particles in the atmosphere.
RIVM manages the National Air Quality Monitoring Network,
which has some sixty individual monitoring stations.
We process the data and make the necessary calculations.
We also monitor the quality of soil and water.
In the event of an incident
which results in the release of hazardous substances
the Environmental Incident Service will take measurements.
For over fifty years we have been conducting research
into various types of radiation.
Whether from radioactive materials, light sources or mobile phones.
Nanotechnology is a new branch of science, which demands a new approach.
We must anticipate developments,
so research into the potential threats of nanotechnology is a matter of urgency.
We work alongside our clients, the professional field and the general public.
RIVM brings together existing strengths and it develops new expertise.
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International co-operation is essential.
RIVM regularly works alongside its sister organisations in Europe
and with the World Health Organization.
This is how RIVM helps to ensure a healthy population
living in a safe and healthy environment, today and in the future.
Committed to health and sustainability.
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