HealthBridge Foundation of Canada

05/20/2026

Hanoi's newly launched metro system aims to promote sustainable and efficient travel. This supervised research study, carried out in collaboration with HealthBridge Vietnam and the Hanoi Department of Construction, evaluates accessibility across five stations on the city’s two operating metro lines.

Researchers used a ‘traffic-light’ scoring checklist alongside in-person user surveys to combine observation with passenger feedback. Results show that the metro is used frequently for work and school trips, with roughly one-third of participants walking directly to stations without relying on other transport modes. Elevated stations were also commonly used as pedestrian overpasses, suggesting they are viewed as safer and more convenient than some of the surrounding pedestrian infrastructure.

Overall, some weaknesses remain such as limited connections to other forms of transportation. Although elevated stations improve pedestrian access, weather-related shutdowns continue to create accessibility challenges, while visual communication and map readability also remain limited. This study highlights that metro accessibility in Hanoi depends on station design, reliable operations, and stronger integration with other transport modes.

HealthBridge Vietnam will use these findings to continue to provide technical support and advocate for accessible public transit in Hanoi as metro lines continue to expand. Read the full report here: https://healthbridge.ca/library/guiding-the-lines

Abigail Dawe-Roy & Jonathan Reskalla

05/19/2026

New Internship opportunity with HealthBridge!

We are seeking a global health intern for an exciting opportunity for working on sexual, reproductive, maternal and child health and nutrition in Vietnam.

See more details below on the opportunity and how to apply:

04/22/2026

Our partner ESAF Foundation promotes cycling for active lifestyles, cleaner air and vibrant cities in !

The 3rd edition of Mysuru Cycle Day was organized as a collaboration between ESAF, Mysuru City Corporation and GIZ. This initiative is part of ESAF's Sustainable Urban Mobility - Air Quality program, which aims to promote environmental awareness, improve public health and encourage sustainable urban living.

With each passing year, the event has boasted of growing participation. This year the event brought together over 300 participants from the community and other key stakeholders like the city police, traffic police and government officials. Cycling was not the only attraction, participants also enjoyed other activities like roller skating, yoga, water colour, zumba and musical performances!

04/22/2026

04/02/2026

On March 13, 2026, the Administration of Maternal and Child Health (AMCH) under the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) and HealthBridge held a Signing Ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to implement activities that strengthen reproductive, maternal and child health and nutrition under the new “Health System Resiliency for Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Bangladesh, Nepal and Vietnam,” project, supported by the Government of Canada.

At the signing ceremony, the AMCA highlighted a number of meaningful previous collaborations between the Administration and HealthBridge, with support from the Government of Canada. These include the guideline on direct communication for adolescent sexual and reproductive health care; the guideline for implementing communication corners on adolescent reproductive health and maternal and child health in ethnic minority boarding schools; and the guideline for community-based communication on maternal and child health through the engagement of village elders, village leaders, and other respected community members.

Under this new framework of cooperation, the two organizations will work together to develop technical guidelines, capacity building, communication initiatives, and innovative community-based models that improve access to quality health information and services, with a focus on disadvantaged mountainous regions and ethnic minority populations.

03/31/2026

On March 9, 2026, in Hanoi, HealthBridge Vietnam and the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population (CCIHP) held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in their partnership.

Under this five-year agreement from 2026 to 2031, the two organizations will collaborate closely to implement activities under the project “Health System Resiliency for Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Vietnam,” funded by the Government of Canada.

Through this partnership, HealthBridge and CCIHP will work together to strengthen the health system resiliency in Son La province, with a particular focus on improving access to and quality of comprehensive services for women, adolescents, and marginalized populations. Subsequently, the two organizations will also contribute to the development of national and sub-national guidelines and promote knowledge sharing to ensure sustainability and scalability of effective models.

By leveraging their complementary expertise and networks, HealthBridge and CCIHP aim to create lasting impact in underserved communities across project areas.

03/30/2026

Project inauguration in Son La, Vietnam: Health System Resiliency for Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

On March 4, 2026, the Son La Provincial People’s Committee, and HealthBridge, launched the “Health System Resiliency for Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Vietnam” project, funded by the Government of Canada. The inauguration ceremony brought together stakeholders from across provincial and national levels and introduced the project goals and objectives.

The project aims to improve and maternal and child health and nutrition, of women, adolescents, and other marginalized groups in underserved areas in seven communes in Son La province: Thuan Chau, Long He, Nam Lau, Muong Khieng, Co Ma, Mai Son, and Phieng Cam.

The project is expected to directly benefit:
- more than 2,500 children under two years old,
- 29,000 adolescents from 10 to 19 years old,
- approximately 14,000 women and children,
- 450 health workers,
- and 180 teachers,
while indirectly benefiting over 80,000 people in the project areas (approximately 38,000 women), the majority of whom are ethnic minorities.

Following the project inauguration, HealthBridge, in collaboration with the Provincial Center for Disease Control and the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population, conducted field visits to Co Ma and Phieng Cam communes. During the visits, the delegation engaged with commune leaders, health station staff, teachers, and students to learn about the current situation and health service needs. Before starting implementation, the project will undertake a needs assessment and baseline assessment to inform the activities for the next six years of the project.

02/10/2026

In Nepal’s remote Karnali Province, geography and limited resources often restrict access to and healthcare.

Through the Improving Reproductive Health and Preventing Child Marriage Project, HealthBridge and our partner International Nepal Fellowship strengthened frontline health systems by investing in skilled birth attendant and family planning training for local providers.

As a result, women who once traveled for hours to reach services can now access quality care near their doorstep.

Read the full story: https://healthbridge.ca/impact-stories/trained-health-workers-bring-services-closer-to-home

12/10/2025

We are proud to share that on December 4th, 2025, HealthBridge Vietnam was honoured as one of the few international NGOs to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO). This recognition celebrates our contributions to sustainable development in Vietnam from 2020–2025. The awards ceremony took place at the 5th International Conference (IC5) on cooperation between Vietnam and international NGOs for Prosperity and Sustainable Development.

This achievement reflects the dedication and tireless efforts of the entire HealthBridge Vietnam team, whose commitment continues to drive meaningful and lasting impact. Thank you for everything you do.

At , HealthBridge also had the priviledge of moderating a session on strengthening multidimensional and inclusive poverty reduction. The discussion underscored that fighting poverty means more than increasing income—it requires action in health, nutrition, education and climate resilience to ensure true equity.

On this occasion, HealthBridge Vietnam would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Government, partners, and local communities we work with for their ongoing support. Together, we continue our mission to improve health and advance health equity for the people of Vietnam.
Development

11/20/2025

Webinar Announcement!

We are excited to share that HealthBridge will be contributing to a webinar hosted by CityFood Markets for Healthy and Sustainable Cities to discuss what makes markets so important to access nutritious food.

Learn more & register!

Session 1
Date & Time: Dec 3, 2025, 4am EST
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QJZIxkDETxWtrJ-krSAW6Q #/registration

Session 2
Date & Time: Dec 3, 2025, 9am EST
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7avmgmNlTaWA9_9QN_i8Fg #/registration