WILLEMSTAD – Six innovative projects have been launched to improve health and healthcare across the Caribbean islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The initiatives are part of the Caribbean Health Research pilot program by ZonMw, which focuses on practical, locally tailored health research.
The program, introduced in 2024, aims to strengthen collaboration, knowledge development, and innovation in public health and care on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
Projects Across the Islands
Nutrition Challenge (Curaçao): The University of Curaçao has launched the Food Boost Challenge for young people aged 16 to 27. Through a five-phase participatory process, youth will develop realistic solutions to encourage healthier eating, working alongside schools, researchers, and the food industry.
Restorative Mediation (Sint Maarten): Restorative Practitioners International is piloting an Emotion Focused Mediation approach to address stress, violence, and health problems among vulnerable groups. The project promotes restorative methods to manage cross-border and disruptive behavior.
Lifestyle Intervention (Aruba): Fysio Care N.V. has launched the SMARTlife Combined Lifestyle Intervention targeting individuals with obesity, diabetes, and stress. The project combines personal coaching, group sessions, and digital tools to promote long-term healthy living. Guidelines developed will be shared across all six islands.
Diabetes Care (Curaçao): LABdeMED is researching why people with type 2 diabetes do not consistently take their medication. The study will test shared decision-making and home visits as potential interventions, with results disseminated to the other islands.
Prison Treatment Programs (All islands): Psychology practice Van de Vorst is evaluating treatment programs for prisoners, focusing on addiction, psychosis, and aggression. These programs will be translated into Papiamentu and English for broader implementation.
Dengue Research (Curaçao): The Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute is studying the effects of dengue fever during pregnancy and the impact of new virus strains. The project will produce an action plan for outbreak preparedness, with findings shared with healthcare providers across the region.
Call for Structural Support
“This is a promising start for health innovation in the Caribbean,” said Dr. Steffen van Heijningen, ZonMw’s liaison for the region. “But to make a real impact, structural support is essential. These initiatives lay an important foundation, yet it is vital to continue building with local partners toward sustainable healthcare systems on the islands.”
The projects mark a significant step toward addressing regional health challenges while strengthening collaborative solutions across the Dutch Caribbean.
