Dr Jet G Sanders to lead new WHO Collaborating Centre
Dr Jet G Sanders is the head of a new World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Behavioural Science for Health Emergency Preparedness and Resilience. The Centre forms part of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands (RIVM) and will support the WHO Europe in incorporating a focus on behaviour when addressing health problems and health emergencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of behavioural, social, and cultural factors in the context of health and emergency preparedness. The newly established Collaborating Centre aims to consolidate resources and strengthen capacity in these key areas. By bringing together expertise and knowledge, it will play a pivotal role in enhancing preparedness and resilience for future health challenges.
Sanders said: "I'm excited to be leading this initiative, which enables us to continue developing and sharing resources and expertise to help address public health issues, societal resilience and resilience of care as well as behaviours of future health emergencies."