World of Health 
Enhancing competence, improving healthcare

Who are we?

During the past 30 years I, Jan Verhoef, have worked as the Head of the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Utrecht University and as the Director of the Eijkman-Winkler Institute. During this time I have taken many students under my wings; they came from all around the world – from east to west and north to south. In part as a result of these contacts and because of my trips to both developed and less developed countries, I have formed a picture of the forces that influence healthcare. I have seen how prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in various countries and with various healthcare systems occurred (and still does occur). I noticed that progress is very slow and wondered whether we as scientists has not always asked the right questions.

Now as a retired professor I want to contribute to this important debate about creating a healthier world.

Need for change Need for innovation

Emerging diseases and lifestyle changes

Urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a surge in chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The prevalence of these conditions is increasing at an alarming rate, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems globally.

Emerging Diseases: Chronic diseases due to lifestyle changes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Urbanization Impact: The shift towards urban living has exacerbated these health issues due to changes in diet, physical activity, and environmental factors.
Preventive Measures: Emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare, regular screenings, and lifestyle modifications to mitigate the impact of these diseases.

Healthcare Systems: making the travel through the healthcare landscape easier, faster and with much more compassion

Environmental and Natura: confronting environmental threats with innovative solutions, rapid response, and deep-rooted compassion for our planet.

Key points for collaborative efforts

Urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a surge in chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The prevalence of these conditions is increasing at an alarming rate, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems globally.

Facilitating Interactions: Encourage interactions between physicians, scientists, policymakers, and (former) patients to improve clinical practice and patient care.
Urbanization Impact: The shift towards urban living has exacerbated these health issues due to changes in diet, physical activity, and environmental factors.
Pandemic Preparedness: Strengthen global health security through better surveillance, research, and vaccination programs.

Sustainable Healthcare: Develop affordable and accessible healthcare systems focused on prevention, innovation, and efficient resource use.

Multidisciplinary Approaches: Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex health issues and create comprehensive healthcare solutions.

Environmental and natural threats

The environment plays a critical role in global health, and its degradation presents several threats to human well-being.

Natural Disasters due to climate change: The increasing frequency of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes disrupts healthcare infrastructure and services.
Pollution: Environmental pollution, including air and water pollution, significantly affects respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Pesticides and Antibiotics: The excessive use of pesticides and antibiotics contributes to environmental toxicity and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Healthcare system challenges

The demand for quality healthcare is rising, but the current healthcare systems face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to meet this demand.

Economic Strain: Healthcare costs are soaring, with expenditures expected to take up significant portions of GDP in many countries, making healthcare unaffordable for many.
Scientific Progress: Limited advancements in the pharmaceutical industry and scientific institutions slow down the development of new treatments and therapies.
Accessibility: Ensuring accessible healthcare for all remains a formidable challenge, requiring innovative solutions and efficient resource allocation.