A well-organised and insightful conference on Health and Prosperity: How Dutch Investments in Global Health Drive Security and Economic Growth took place at the KIT Institute in Amsterdam this past Monday 10 of March, 2025. The event was co-hosted by KIT Institute and the Gates Foundation, with active engagement of Cordaid, Aidsfonds, the ONE Campaign, Philips and us at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation. Strong government representation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Global Health Hub at the Ministry of Health provided a unique and ‘hot-off-the press’ policy perspective which enriched the dialogue on all elements of the conference’s programme.

Joint reflection by Mustapha Gidado, Executive Director, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and Beatrijs Stikkers, Public Affairs & Advocacy, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

The Dutch Diamond Approach

Following the statement by Marijke Wijnroks, we can say that the Netherlands has established itself as a global health leader by combining government commitment, scientific expertise, and business engagement. The Dutch government has long been a key partner and donor to the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi); while the Dutch private sector plays a crucial role in the global health ecosystem, often building on the broader Dutch scientist and NGO engagement: the Dutch Diamond approach.

During the conference, representatives of the government took part as commentators and prompters of key discussions. Their interventions provided guidance on how to contribute to the policy priorities of the Netherlands’ government while continuing to advance global health collectively as an intertwined community in a transformed policy and political context.

Private sector contributions: health as a business imperative

Private sector companies, including representatives from Unilever, Philips, Tony’s Chocolonely and Delft Imaging paid tribute to global health as a foundational element for their current and future business plans. Investing in global health strengthens healthcare systems and helps in the creation of stable markets, resilient supply chains, and new business opportunities. Example of this are:

1. Gavi and the Global Fund have played a crucial role in laying the foundations for universal health coverage (UHC), triggering investments in resilient healthcare systems for 3.5 billion people.
2. Investable and stable supply chains offered by smallholder cocoa farmers resulting from collaborative partnerships that strengthen the health and economic well-being in their communities.
3. Synergistic public health campaigns around handwashing reaching into far-off, last-mile communities.
4. Increased opportunities in market access and product development which join patient data, technological and economic access.

Private sector contributions to global health are a business imperative. By aligning their strategies with global health priorities, Dutch companies can drive social impact and long-term economic growth, ensuring global health advances and strengthening health security locally and worldwide.

Key takeaways

1. Health is wealth for both donor and recipient countries. Investments in global mechanisms like the Global Fund and Gavi save lives while also strengthening health systems and driving economic growth. 
2. Maximising impact through innovation. These global health financing mechanisms not only improve healthcare access but also advocate for increased domestic funding through multiple innovative financing tools.
3. Stronger health systems mean greater global stability. Robust and resilient health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute to global health security, economic stability, and shared prosperity.
4. Recipient countries must take ownership. Sustainable progress requires governments to lead and take full responsibility for the health of their citizens.
5. Dutch engagement in global health opens markets and strengthens health security in the Netherlands. Dutch engagement in global health provides market access for Dutch technologies, and embeds local research and development in international consortia. Beyond trade this serves Dutch pandemic preparedness and strengthens cross-border health threats vigilance.

Call to Action for the Dutch Government

Today the Netherlands has an opportunity to strengthen its leadership in global health by maintaining and expanding its investments in the Global Fund and Gavi. By doing so, the Dutch government can continue to drive life-saving impact, foster trade relations, economic partnerships, and enhance global health security – creating a win-win scenario for all.