The Public Health Department, known as GGD Bonaire / Public Health since January 1, 2025, is committed to preventing diseases and other problems. The vision of Public Health Bonaire is for children to grow up healthy and resilient and that adults can age healthily and resiliently. Special attention is paid to people in vulnerable situations. Public Health Bonaire does not provide personal care, such as treating health complaints; that is the task of the general practitioner or the hospital.
Main tasks of Public Health Bonaire
Control of infectious diseases
There are bacteria and viruses in the world around us. Some of them make us sick. We call this an infectious disease. Public Health Bonaire helps prevent and combat infectious diseases, such as dengue, COVID-19, or measles. Public Health Bonaire provides advice to residents, general practitioners, healthcare institutions, schools, daycare centers, and the Executive Council.
Vaccinations (when travelling)
Do you want to travel safely? Public Health Bonaire offers advice on health risks in the country you are visiting and helps you with the right vaccinations. Did you know, for example, that vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for travelers who have been in a high-risk area, such as Colombia or Brazil, in the 7 days prior to arrival on Bonaire? This also applies to babies from 9 months old. For more information or to make an appointment, you can visit:
- Call (+599) 715 5324
- Email IZB@bonairegov.com
- Vaccinations Bonaire | Public Health Travel Vaccinations
Additionally, Public Health Bonaire offers vaccinations to people in certain professions and vaccinations that are given every year during the same period (flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination).
Healthy living environment (Ambiente Salú)
Public Health Bonaire aims to create a healthy environment for the residents of Bonaire. This may involve, for example, reducing noise pollution and improving the quality of the air, soil, and water.
Improving health (Promoshon di Salú)
Public Health Bonaire works to promote a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. This may involve preventing overweight, encouraging healthy eating, or promoting physical activity. Public Health Bonaire also focuses on improving mental health, sexual health, and preventing addiction and substance abuse.
Policy & research
Public Health Bonaire assists in developing a policy regarding health in the region. They monitor the frequency of health problems on the island and use this information to formulate advice that takes into account the needs of the population. In doing so, they collaborate with other organizations to improve health.
Crisis coordination
Public Health Bonaire has the task of bringing together, coordinating, and jointly addressing all organizations involved in health and care during times of crisis. Public Health Bonaire also advises on an administrative level on how to handle the crisis during a crisis, in the interest of public health.
In short,
Public Health Bonaire plays an important role in safeguarding the health of the residents of Bonaire by preventing the spread of disease, offering vaccinations, working towards a healthy environment and a healthy lifestyle, and conducting research into health problems and trends. Naturally, Public Health Bonaire does not do this alone, but together with professionals, organizations, and the residents of Bonaire. The responsibilities of Public Health Bonaire are legally established in the ‘Public Health Act’.
