How can we ensure better decision-making during pandemic outbreaks? The Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center has been working on integrated advisory approaches to improve crisis response. Our research highlights the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration—combining biomedical, social, and economic perspectives—to prevent fragmented decision-making.

In 2024, PDPC organized simulation exercises on Avian Influenza, exploring how interdisciplinary teams can develop integrated advice. Key findings show that open dialogue and diverse expertise are crucial for effective crisis management. Building on this, we are launching Disease X simulation exercises in 2025, expanding participation to policymakers and decision-makers.

By refining frameworks for integrated advisory, PDPC aims to enhance pandemic preparedness. Learn more by clicking the button below and explore our reports, conference presentations, and upcoming workshops.

The disease burden of COVID-19 infection, morbidity, and mortality is unevenly distributed across different population subgroups. A one-size-fits-all approach may not reach all groups. Identifying barriers and drivers that influence people’s behaviour towards COVID-19 public health and social measures (PHSM) (i.e. vaccination, testing and other measures) is a crucial step when designing tailored interventions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the Tailoring Health Programmes (THP) approach to assist countries in diagnosing barriers and drivers to health protective behaviours. We present the findings of the situation analysis, phase 1 of the THP approach. The aim was threefold: 1) to identify the population subgroups with a lower uptake and adherence to COVID-19 PHSM, 2) gain an overview the previously identified barriers and drivers of the general population and population subgroups, and 3) to obtain an overview of interventions and research initiated by various stakeholders in the Netherlands.

During a pandemic, school closures may be implemented to limit the spread of the virus. However, such closures can have profound short- and long-term effects on students, impacting their educational performance, transition to higher education and employment, and mental well-being. Moreover, school closures can result in lasting consequences for society and the economy. 

Beyond students, other key stakeholders, including parents and teachers, also experienced significant disruptions. Parents were suddenly required to take on the role of part-time educators while managing their own professional responsibilities. Meanwhile, teachers had to adapt to new methods of instruction overnight, often with minimal preparation. The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented period, underscoring the need to reflect on its effects to better prepare for future crises. 

Contact tracing is a key intervention in infectious disease control, but it can be challenging to implement successfully for diseases like COVID-19, where infections spread quickly and often without symptoms. Apps such as the CoronaMelder in the Netherlands were introduced with the promise of fast and comprehensive contact identification but were hampered by insufficient uptake by the population.  

Within its research line on innovative infectious disease control, the PDPC is working on preparing the contact tracing approach for the next pandemic. By investigating the process and impact of contact tracing, we aim to design innovations that can optimize contact tracing, both for minimizing disease spread and keeping track of transmission networks.