The national refugee settlement agency COA has finalized a three-year partnership with the public health service GGD to guarantee medical care for 20,000 children living in asylum reception centres. Under this agreement, GGD teams will deliver routine health screenings, vaccinations and mental health support, ensuring young refugees receive timely and consistent treatment from arrival through integration.
Services on offer
- Initial health assessments: Comprehensive physical exams and immunization reviews within the first weeks of arrival.
- Ongoing care: Regular follow-up appointments, developmental monitoring and chronic disease management.
- Mental health support: Early detection of trauma-related issues, counselling services and referrals to specialist care.
- Health education: Workshops for families on nutrition, hygiene and preventive measures, delivered in multiple languages.
Reaching every corner of the country
GGD’s mobile health units will visit all 65 reception locations across the Netherlands, including remote centres. A dedicated caseworker in each facility will coordinate appointments, liaise with interpreters and track treatment plans, reducing barriers to care and ensuring no child falls through the cracks.
Voices from the frontline
“This agreement represents a major step forward in safeguarding refugee children’s well-being,” said COA director Marleen van Dijk. “By integrating GGD’s expertise into our reception network, we can address both urgent needs and long-term health challenges.”
GGD public health manager Hassan El-Bashir added, “Early intervention is crucial. These youngsters have often endured upheaval and stress. Our approach combines medical screening with psychosocial support to help them build resilience.”
Building on past success
The new contract expands a pilot programme launched in 2024, which delivered immunizations and basic health checks to 5,000 children. Evaluations showed higher vaccination rates and improved developmental outcomes in participating centres, laying the groundwork for this nationwide rollout.
Looking ahead
Services begin in September, with quarterly reviews to measure impact and adjust protocols. Policymakers expect this model to set a benchmark for refugee health services across Europe, demonstrating how targeted cooperation can enhance care delivery and promote smoother integration for vulnerable families.
