THE HAGUE – Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt has outlined a clear strategy to embed prevention as a core pillar of Curaçao’s healthcare system, following a strategic working session with the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).
The session, led by Victor Sannes, Director of Nutrition, Health Protection and Prevention at VWS, focused on effective prevention strategies, behavioral interventions, and the role of data and monitoring in modern healthcare policy.
During the meeting, Curaçao’s delegation gained practical insights into how prevention can be integrated structurally into public health systems. The discussions highlighted the importance of shifting from a reactive model—focused on treatment—to a proactive approach centered on preventing illness.
Boekhoudt emphasized that prevention will play a key role in the reform of Curaçao’s healthcare system, particularly in light of the island’s high disease burden, including lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
“If we want to keep our healthcare system affordable and accessible, we must shift our focus toward prevention,” Boekhoudt said. “This requires not only a different mindset, but also concrete action and strong collaboration.”
The meeting also explored opportunities for continued cooperation between Curaçao and the Netherlands, including knowledge sharing, program development, and policy support.
With this approach, the ministry is aiming to build a more sustainable healthcare system in which prevention, behavioral change, and early intervention form the foundation for improving public health outcomes on the island.