In Vietnam, HealthBridge and the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) are working together to make guidance available for improving accessibility of vital health information in ethnic minority communities and remote regions.

Following the successful collaboration on the Guideline for conducting communication on reproductive health for adolescents in schools in 2022, HealthBridge has partnered with the MOH to produce two new national guidelines this year which mark a significant step forward in advancing sexual, reproductive maternal and child health and rights:

1. Guideline for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Communication Corners in Boarding Schools for Ethnic Minority Students
   This guideline provides a framework to overcome barriers faced by ethnic minority students in accessing reproductive health information. The guideline provides recommendations for dedicated communication spaces in boarding schools that are safe spaces where students can privately access information, seek advice, and find essential health resources.
2. Guideline for Mobilizing Village Leaders for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Advocacy
   This guideline equips village leaders and respected community figures with the knowledge and tools to effectively communicate MCH information. Since local leaders play an important role in shaping health behaviours in the community, this guideline enhances their leverage to disseminate crucial health information and improve health outcomes for mothers and children in rural regions and ethnic minority communities.
   

Driving Change Through Partnership

These achievements are supported by the “Improving Reproductive Health and Preventing Child Marriage in Vietnam”, generously funded by Global Affairs Canada. The guidelines not only reflect policy developments but also serve as practical tools to strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders, enabling them to deliver effective and responsive ASRH and MCH programming.

The success of this partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing public health challenges. As HealthBridge and the Ministry of Health continue their efforts, their commitment to advancing maternal and child health and ASRH will lead to further improvements in the well-being of communities, especially vulnerable groups throughout Vietnam.