Vital Strategies

“We cannot have strong public policy without first having a solid CRVS system.” Vital Strategies' Cedric Mbella and Benjamin Clapham spoke at the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie last week about the urgent need for greater investment in CRVS systems in Francophone countries. The convening, co-hosted with our partners Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and UNICEF brought together esteemed experts from public health and government, including representatives from the World Health Organization, The World Bank, Madagascar, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Cambodia. ?? Read our one-pager from the event for key takeaways on improving CRVS in Francophone countries, and a new map showcasing the current landscape of intervention in the region. https://lnkd.in/ewBSPYgJ

We're proud to have contributed our expertise in #HealthEconomics to advance data use in Indonesia. By combining evidence-based methods with economic insights, we can help policymakers make decisions that deliver the greatest health impact while staying resource-conscious. #Data4Health

On World Children's Day (November 20), Food Policy Program partner, The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados, held a press conference to announce the results of the "Octagonal Warning Labels Save Lives" campaign evaluation, which found 93% of Barbadians supported octagonal warning labels. The event sought to illustrate how front-of-package labeling policies, through assisting consumers in making healthier choices, could help address childhood obesity in Barbados.

Significant data gaps exist in global health, including missing data on gender-based violence (#GBV). Policies that protect people from violence, primarily women and girls, must start with the collection, analysis and dissemination of accurate data. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e-mbTz9Q #EndGBV #16Days #NoExcuse FrameNet Brasil

Beyond this statistic lie women’s stories and experiences that are often ignored, and data that is not collected or used. Only through collecting and unraveling this data can we understand the magnitude of the #GBV crisis and inform solutions. Learn more about our work to strengthen data systems to improve inclusivity, make GBV more visible and ensure people of all genders are counted here ?? https://lnkd.in/e37FSnN8 #NoExcuse #16Days #EndGBV

As billions of dollars in opioid settlement funds become available to help state and local governments remediate the harms of the opioid overdose crisis, it is imperative that those closest to the problem drive solutions. Now it is essential that they know how to monitor opioid settlement funds, identify opportunities to access these monies, and engage in advocacy to ensure that the settlement dollars go toward meaningful solutions. Join this free webinar on Dec. 11 to learn how to demystify how funds are allocated and distributed between state and local governments. The presenters will share information about essential resources that can help you learn about your state's practices and rules on how the funds can be spent. Register here: https://lnkd.in/geJY4YMc National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Opioid Settlement Tracker

More than 110,000 people in the United States died from overdose in 2022, and mortality rates are now highest in Black and Indigenous communities. To reduce overdose deaths and address health disparities, harm reduction organizations and health care providers must center their work around racial justice. Creating meaningful change goes beyond stating that racial justice is a priority: Change requires action, commitment and re-examining practices that uphold white supremacy culture. A new, free online racial equity course, “Taking Action on Racial Equity in Drug User Health Programs,” is now available to equip participants with practical steps they can take to center racial justice on a personal, organizational and community level. Vital Strategies’ Overdose Prevention Program collaborated with In the Works, which provides harm reduction e-learning, and Reframe Health and Justice Consulting to develop the course, designed for organizations that work with people who use drugs. Access the course here: https://lnkd.in/eUP7teNr

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the kick-off of World Health Organization's #16Days of activism against gender-based violence. Today, we’re spotlighting a critical new intervention from our partner, the Ministry of Women's Affairs of Cambodia (MoWA) in Cambodia. In collaboration with the Bloomberg Philanthropies #Data4Health Initiative, leaders from the MoWA developed a policy brief through the #DataToPolicy program that will guide the expansion of One Stop Service Units providing life-saving support services for survivors of gender-based violence. Pictured here is Sambath Reatanak, Vital’s country coordinator in Cambodia, proudly wearing orange in support of the campaign. #DataImpact #OrangeTheWorld #EndViolence

Applications for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control close today, Nov. 25. These awards honor organizations advancing MPOWER policies like tobacco monitoring, smoke-free laws, quit programs, ad bans, and tax increases. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gCdn4VKa

Journalists hold the power to transform public attitudes toward road safety and influence policy priorities for safer streets. By framing road crashes as a preventable public health issue, the media can shift perceptions and drive change. Writing in Global Health Now, Kristi Saporito, Deputy Director of our Road Safety Program, shares how journalist training programs are helping reshape the narrative around road safety. Read the article. https://lnkd.in/gPsbth2J