Our foundation’s background
About us
Foundation OGBS was founded in February 2000 by and for parents of children who were infected by the Group B Streptococcus bacterium (GBS) during birth. OGBS stands for Parents of Group B Streptococcus Patients.
Foundation OGBS has various objectives
- Promoting research into infections caused by Group B Streptococcus. In particular during the period around childbirth (the perinatal phase) and the first few weeks after birth (the neonatal phase), as well as the short- and long-term consequences of these infections;
- Contributing to the prevention of GBS infections in mother and child;
- Contributing to the treatment of patients with a GBS infection;Bijdragen aan de behandeling van patiënten met een GBS-infectie;
- Promoting the provision of accurate information to affected families, expecting parents and professionals working in the fields of pregnancy and childbirth;
- Contributing to a community for parents of children with a GBS infection to share information and experiences.
Education and scientific research
Foundation OGBS works closely with Foundation GBS.De Stichting OGBS werkt nauw samen met de Stichting GBS. Its aim is to promote scientific research into GBS, encourage prevention, speed up patient treatment and improve public awareness of GBS.
Foundation GBS was established on the initiative of the late Guus de Jonge, professor emeritus of paediatrics, following the birth of his granddaughter, who contracted GBS meningitis. Upon closer examination of the policy on the prevention of neonatal GBS disease in the Netherlands, it became apparent that no Dutch guidelines were available.
On behalf of the parents of GBS patients, Mr Tjin Njo sits on the board of Foundation GBS.
Foundation GBS has initiated and/or provided financial support for the following
- Co-founding the parents’ association;
- Research into the frequency of GBS disease in the Netherlands (in 1998 NSCK report);
- Research into temperature changes during childbirth;
- Establishment of and participation in the GBS working group: a study funded by ZonMW into the effectiveness of implementing the national guideline for the prevention of GBS disease in newborns. This has resulted in several publications and a doctoral thesis;
- Conducting a cost-effectiveness study of various prevention strategies;
- Prevalence study on GBS carriage among pregnant women in The Hague.
- Doctoral thesis Ms A.W. Valkenburg-van den Berg;
- Implementation of GBS prevention strategies in pilot regions. ZonMW grant awarded;
- GeneXpert study into the feasibility of a ‘bedside PCR test’ for GBS carriage.