The Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute (CBHRI) proudly announced it has received a €100,000 research grant from ZonMw (The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development) for a 24-month project focused on active dengue surveillance and maternal health in the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
ZonMw is an independent Dutch organization created through a collaboration between ZorgOnderzoek Nederland (ZON) and the Medical Sciences division of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). It supports and funds health and medical care research and innovation.
About the project
The grant is awarded under the ZonMw programme “Strengthening Public Health and Wellbeing in the ABCSSS Islands” and supports the launch of a new research initiative focused on the health impacts of dengue during pregnancy. The project aims to improve diagnostic tools, knowledge, and prevention strategies in Curaçao and Bonaire.
Titled “Dengue Surveillance and Response through Clade Displacement Analysis and Targeted Interventions (DENPACT)”, the project focuses on the consequences of dengue infections during pregnancy and the associated risks for both mothers and infants. This research addresses a critical knowledge gap for the Caribbean region and will offer valuable perspectives for care delivery and policy decisions.
The multidisciplinary CBHRI team, consisting of both local and international experts, will combine epidemiological analysis with public health intervention strategies. The project is led by virologist Prof. dr. Byron Martina, and emphasizes vulnerable neighbourhoods where mosquito exposure is highest, often due to inadequate water infrastructure.
Why this research matters
Despite the rising number of dengue cases driven by climate change, little is known about the specific impact of dengue during pregnancy within Caribbean populations. This project will help close that knowledge gap and provide practical tools to improve early diagnosis and targeted prevention.
ZonMw selection and evaluation
Out of 19 submitted proposals, only three were selected for funding, DENPACT being one of them. ZonMw awarded the grant based on the following:
- The high relevance of the topic for public health in the Caribbean islands.
- A strong team of expert researchers with a clear and focused approach.
- The added regional value of the results and their potential for broad implementation.
CBHRI’s commitment to public health in the Caribbean
“CBHRI is committed to advancing public health in Curaçao and across the Dutch Caribbean through interdisciplinary, impact-driven research. Through our projects, we contribute to lasting solutions to urgent health issues in the region,” said Project Manager Eurydice Martina.
“We are deeply grateful to ZonMw for this valuable funding opportunity, which strengthens regional research capacity and supports knowledge development for Caribbean health challenges.”
For more information about CBHRI’s mission, ongoing projects, or collaboration opportunities, please visit: www.cbhri.com. Are you pregnant, or a healthcare worker that is interested in working with CBHRI, supporting research? Contact Eurydice Martina, Project Manager & Director of Capital Management, via email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
