There are several ways in which the Netherlands seeks to prevent illness and disease or detect them at an early stage:
- Vaccination programmes against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio reach almost all young children under the age of 4.

- Patients with heart and lung disease, the elderly and others in high-risk groups can be vaccinated against influenza.

- The Health Protection, Commodities and Veterinary Health Inspectorate monitors the safety of Dutch food and consumer goods.

- There is a nationwide screening programme for breast and cervical cancer.

- Central government supports health education and information campaigns and takes measures to reduce habits that are damaging to health.