RIVM says goodbye to Jaap van Dissel

For the past 11 years, Jaap van Dissel was director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Control at RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). He was also professor of Internal Medicine, in particular infectious diseases, at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC).

To the outside world, the corona crisis has been the most defining period for Jaap van Dissel. With colleagues at the Centre for Infectious Disease Control and various collaborative partners, he also focused on combating measles, Ebola, meningococcal W, legionella and mpox, among others.

In honour of his retirement, the RIVM organised a symposium and a reception. The symposium ended with the presentation of the RIVM's Jenner medal by Hans Brug and a national award presented by Mark Rutte. The Jenner medal is a certificate with a bronze medal, awarded to people who have done pioneering work for the RIVM. Jaap van Dissel received the medal for his exceptional contribution to the scientific basis and development of the RIVM.

The royal award was presented by demissionary Prime Minister Mark Rutte, flanked by demissionary Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and former Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Hugo de Jonge. De Jonge characterised Van Dissel as ‘the dike, the anchor and the lighthouse during the corona crisis’. Jaap van Dissel was appointed Commandeur in the 'Orde van Oranje-Nassau'.

Watch the video in which Jaap van Dissel, on one of his last working days, talks about the highlights and biggest challenges in his time at the RIVM during a relaxed and openhearted conversation. Go to the article.

Source: RIVM (in Dutch)

RIVM says goodbye to Jaap van Dissel

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