SIMAVI

SIMAVI is a Dutch development organization with roots in the Protestant medical mission. It was founded in April 1926 as the Vereeniging S.I.M.A.V.I., an acronym for Steun In Medische Aangelegenheden voor Inheemschen (Support in Medical Matters for Indigenous People). The organization was established by missionary doctors Joh. van der Spek and H. Bervoets, who worked in Central Java in the Dutch East Indies, to supply medicines, instruments and equipment to Reformed missionary doctors in the colony. Over time, support was extended to Reformed and Mennonite doctors, and before 1940 assistance became available to all regardless of belief. The way SIMAVI provided aid also changed. In its early years it shipped supplies for Western doctors. In later decades, support shifted toward health-related projects such as water and sanitation facilities. Dutch doctors and nurses, as well as shipping containers, disappeared from the picture. The work evolved into what the organization does today: supporting local initiatives that are locally led and implemented, and advocating for greater equality and climate justice for women and girls in vulnerable communities. As of 2023, SIMAVI was active in ten countries across Africa and Asia, with its headquarters in Amsterdam. Its mission is to support girls and women in claiming their right to equality and to water and hygiene, with the goal of a healthy and just society for everyone. Its approach includes cooperation with partners in project countries to improve access, availability and sustainability of drinking water, toilets and hygiene facilities; building knowledge and awareness about the right to water and sanitation; working with women's networks and civil society organizations to increase women's voice and leadership; strengthening the knowledge and resilience of women and girls regarding climate change; advocating with governments and other stakeholders for sustainable improvement of water, hygiene and sanitation for all; ensuring facilities and services are sustainable, gender-sensitive and socially inclusive; and breaking taboos around menstruation and providing women-friendly toilets. Princess Beatrix is patron of SIMAVI, following Queen Juliana and Queen Wilhelmina, who had supported the organization since the beginning of the previous century. On 22 March 2026, the name SIMAVI changed to WaterAid Nederland.

SIMAVI's history begins in the mid-1920s in the Dutch East Indies. In 1925, Joh. van der Spek and H. Bervoets were working as missionary doctors in Central Java, and the idea for a medical mission took shape. In April 1926, the Vereeniging S.I.M.A.V.I. was founded. Its name was an acronym for Steun In Medische Aangelegenheden voor Inheemschen (Support in Medical Matters for Indigenous People). Because the acronym refers to a colonial past that is no longer in line with the values SIMAVI stands for, it is no longer used as such. The initial purpose was to provide Reformed missionary doctors in the Dutch colony with medicines, instruments and equipment. Over time, aid was extended to Reformed and Mennonite doctors. Before 1940, the point was reached that SIMAVI's assistance was available to everyone, regardless of belief. The manner in which aid was provided also changed. In the early years, it involved shipping supplies for Western doctors. Over the years, support shifted to health-related projects, such as the construction of water and sanitary facilities. Both the Dutch doctors and nurses and the shipping containers disappeared from the picture. In this way, SIMAVI's work developed into what the organization does now: supporting local initiatives that are also locally led and implemented, and advocating for more equality and climate justice for women and girls in vulnerable communities. Princess Beatrix is patron of SIMAVI. She followed Queen Juliana and Queen Wilhelmina, who had committed themselves to the organization since the beginning of the previous century. As of 2023, SIMAVI was active in ten countries across the continents of Africa and Asia. Its headquarters is in Amsterdam. The organization supports girls and women to claim their right to equality and to water and hygiene, with the goal of a healthy and just society for everyone. On 22 March 2026, the name SIMAVI changed to WaterAid Nederland.

• 2026

  On 22 March, the name SIMAVI changes to WaterAid Nederland.

• 2023

  SIMAVI is active in ten countries across Africa and Asia.

• 1940

  Before this year, SIMAVI's assistance becomes available to everyone regardless of belief.

• 1926

  Vereeniging S.I.M.A.V.I. is founded in April.

• 1925

  Joh. van der Spek and H. Bervoets work as missionary doctors in Central Java, Dutch East Indies, and the idea for the medical mission arises.

A Dutch development organization focused on the rights of girls and women to equality, water and sanitation, working through local partners in Africa and Asia.

1. 1SIMAVI - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2Simavi - Wikipedia (Dutch)nl.wikipedia.org