Is the population of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba adequately protected against infectious diseases such as measles and polio? How often does dengue fever strike? What are personal living conditions like and what sort of chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes) occur? In order to answer these and other questions, the Health Study will be carried out in May and June 2017. The results of this study could help to prevent and combat these diseases even more effectively in the future.

Who will be invited to take part?

By means of a random sample taken from the population registry (PIVA-V), a total of 8000 people aged from 0-89 years will be invited to take part:

  • 5000 people from Bonaire
  • 2000 from St. Eustatius and
  • 1000 from Saba.

Everyone will receive a personal invitation to attend an appointment in their neighbourhood.

The study on Bonaire starts on 2 May, followed by St. Eustatius from 30 May to 9 June and Saba from 12 to 19 June when data will be collected.

How will the study be carried out?

What will happen to the study samples?

The study samples will be stored at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) laboratory back in the Netherlands. At the laboratory, the number of antibodies against infectious diseases from the National Immunisation Programme and the number against more locally occurring diseases that are found in the blood will be measured. The types of bacteria and viruses that occur in the nose and throat and in faeces will also be investigated. The questionnaire will then be used to identify risk factors.


Taking part is important!

By taking part in the Health Study, the population of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will be making a major contribution to public health. For this reason, it is important that as many people as possible take part. Taking part is voluntary and all data will remain confidential.


Who will carry out the study?

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has commissioned the RIVM in collaboration with Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Local Departments of Public Health (GGD).

More information

More information about this study can be found on the website www.rivm.nl/healthstudy from the beginning of April. If you have questions these can be answered over the telephone by the Local Departments of Public Health on working days between 8.00-10.00

  • Bonaire: +599 717 2211
  • St. Eustatius: +599 318 289
  • Saba: +599 416 3311, ext. 101

You can also email to healthstudy@rivm.nl.