Dr J.E.A.M. van Bergen (1955) has been named Professor by Special Appointment of First-line Treatment for HIV and STIs at the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) Faculty of Medicine (AMC-UvA). The chair was designated on behalf of the AIDS Fund Foundation and STI AIDS Netherlands (Stichting Aids Fonds – Soa Aids Nederland)Stichting Physica).

Jan van Bergen has been active as an educator and researcher in the field of sexually transmitted infections for the past 15 years. Focusing in particular on Chlamydia trachomatis and HIV, the scope of his work extends from diagnostics and treatment therapies to prevention and screening. Van Bergen has set himself the challenge of improving the quality of general medical practice in this area by delineating, enhancing and safeguarding the quality of relevant research and education.

Van Bergen has worked at STI AIDS Netherlands as a programme leader since 2003, with a limited secondment to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). He is also the coordinator of the Chlamydia screening trial and works as a GP at the Venserpolder health centre in Amsterdam. Previously, Van Bergen was coordinator for Quality Policy and Promoting Expertise at STI AIDS Netherlands and editor-in-chief of SekSoa Magazine. Since 2010, he has chaired the GP expert advisory group on sexual health at the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG). Van Bergen is the author of numerous publications, including in such professional journals as British Journal of General Practice, Sexually Transmitted Infections and International Journal of STD & AIDS.

GPs continue to fulfil a key role in providing care in connection with HIV and other STIs in the Netherlands today. In founding this chair, the AIDS Fund Foundation and STI AIDS Netherlands seek to contribute to the efficacy of professional practice and the best possible quality of care for STIs and HIV.