Stichting hiv monitoring (SHM) makes an important and necessary contribution to healthcare for people with hiv in the Netherlands. Through medical data collection and analysis, SHM contributes significantly to improve hiv healthcare. SHM not only monitors traditional HIV-associated health outcomes such as AIDS, but also comorbidities and co-infections, most notably hepatitis B and C co-infections. SHM’s annual monitoring report provides evidence-based recommendations for the development of local HIV care and prevention policies. SHM contributes to global HIV research. Results of SHM's research and those of others using SHM data are presented regularly in medical journals and at national and international meetings and conferences. Such research can result in tangible input into treatment guidelines and advice geared to medical professionals and patients, government and healthcare at large.