news-new-agreement-secures-healthcare-for-20000-refugee-children-2026-08-28

The national refugee settlement agency COA has signed a three-year agreement with the public health service GGD to guarantee healthcare access for around 20,000 refugee children. The deal ensures that children staying in asylum seeker centres receive medical check-ups, vaccinations, and follow-up care through a coordinated approach. Under the previous arrangement, coverage was patchy and often depended on local capacity. The new contract standardises care across all locations, with GGD nurses and doctors assigned to each centre on a regular basis. COA says the agreement improves continuity of care and reduces waiting times for young residents. The GGD will also track health data to identify emerging needs, such as mental health support or dental care. The contract runs until 2029 and is part of a broader effort to align refugee healthcare with Dutch municipal standards.

What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands If you arrive as a refugee or asylum seeker with children, this agreement means your children should have access to routine health services from the moment they are placed in a COA facility. You do not need to arrange these appointments yourself; the GGD team will contact you. For newcomers, it is useful to know that the Dutch system separates family doctors (huisarts) from public health services (GGD). This contract focuses on preventive care, such as vaccinations and check-ups, which are standard for all children in the Netherlands. If you are learning Dutch, you may hear terms like 'GGD' and 'COA' in news or official documents. Understanding these abbreviations helps when navigating healthcare and housing processes. The agreement also signals that the Dutch government is investing in long-term integration, as healthy children are better able to attend school and learn the language. For more details, see the original report.

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