The Dutch Reaction to Contaminated Blood: An Example of Cooperative Governance
The Dutch model of cooperative governance was relatively effective in reducing the number of hemophiliacs exposed to HIV through the blood supply, with only 13% contacting HIV compared to 35% throughout Europe & 81% in France. In the Netherlands, the Red Cross blood banks controlled the blood supply with the principle of voluntary, unpaid blood donation. A policy network of relevant actors formulated six responses to the problem of HIV-contaminated blood & blood products, including encouraging high-risk groups to refrain from donating & other measures ensuring the use of concentrated heated blood products. In the 1990s, this programmatic response was the center of public debate & controversy regarding hemophiliac concern about negligence in government policy as well as homosexual accusations of discrimination. This perceived loss of effectiveness & legitimacy is traced to the distinction between network & governmental responsibility, the horizontal & vertical modes of interaction to enhance both mechanisms. The government was found lacking in policy initiatives, strict state regulations, & coercive interventions. 3 Tables. L. A. Hoffman
