From Data
Strong data systems are the foundation of effective public health.
From Strong Foundations to Healthier Futures
Vital Strategies partners with governments to strengthen the systems that protect and improve health every day.
We help countries move from evidence to action by advancing policies that reduce major risks to health, strengthening data systems that guide decision-making, and supporting strategic communication that builds trust and drives change.
Mothers and babies wait outside the civil registration and vaccination post at Muhoza Health Center in Rwanda. Photo Credit: Juan Arredondo
Public Health That’s Ready for Today’s Needs and Tomorrow’s Emerging Threats
Public health is being tested in new ways.
Countries face rising rates of noncommunicable disease, the health consequences of climate change, rapid urbanization, shifting demographics and mounting pressure on already strained systems. At the same time, advances in data, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence are expanding what’s possible.
This moment demands more than incremental progress. It requires stronger systems, faster decision-making and new models of partnership capable of delivering impact at scale.
At Vital Strategies, we partner with governments in more than 80 countries to help build the foundations for healthier societies. We support policies that reduce major risks to health, strengthen the data systems that guide action, and advance strategic communication that builds trust and drives change.
Our approach moves public health forward—from data to decision-making and from policy to practice to people.
Across our portfolio, one lesson holds: Impact happens when data, policy and communication work together so that governments have the timely information, public support and practical implementation capacity needed to drive sustainable change.
That integration is only growing more critical as countries invest in digital transformation and explore the responsible use of AI in health. The future of public health depends not only on technological innovation, but on whether countries have the foundational systems, governance and public trust to use these tools effectively and equitably.
None of this work happens alone. Progress is made possible through deep collaboration with governments, communities, technical experts, advocates and funders who share a commitment to building healthier, more resilient societies.
Looking ahead, Vital Strategies remains committed to helping governments build systems that promote health, protect communities, prevent harm and enable people to live longer, healthier lives.
Thank you to our partners and colleagues around the world who make this work possible.
Mary-Ann Etiebet, MD, MBA
President and CEO
Learn about how Vital Strategies is advancing healthier futures around the world.
2025 Global Presence
Our Global Reach
71
public health system improvements in 38 countries, helping governments move policies into practice, including expanding public health services, enhancing surveillance and data collection, expanding medication access and strengthening the public health workforce. Above, in Liberia, nurses and midwives are trained to register births.
605
government partnerships in 2025, including collaborations with national ministries and state and local governments around the world. Above, in Córdoba, Argentina, Mayor Daniel Passerini meets with partners from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, which Vital coordinates. Photo Credit: Municipality of Córdoba
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public health policies that Vital Strategies helped move from proposal to adoption across 24 countries—spanning regulations, legislation, local ordinances and new government investments. Here, advocates celebrate after Ceará, Brazil bans the sale and advertising of ultra-processed products in schools.
122
strategic communication campaigns in 24+ countries that shifted public opinion and moved policymakers toward healthier policy and behavior change. Riley, above, was featured in the “Rewriting LA County’s Story” media campaign on overdose prevention.
Our Impact by Region
- Africa
- Asia and the Pacific
- Latin America and the Caribbean
Across 25 countries in Africa, Vital Strategies partners with governments and civil society to strengthen public health systems and advance locally driven solutions. From expanding cancer registry capacity in eight countries to supporting clean air policies in Ethiopia, Uganda and Rwanda, our work focuses on building long-term impact.
15
policy solutions supported at national, state and city levels in 2025.
20
public health systems improvements supported in the region.
92
partnerships with government ministries, agencies and local authorities across the region.
11
strategic communication campaigns supported in partnership with government.
Across 23 countries in Asia and the Pacific, Vital Strategies works with governments and communities to strengthen public health systems and improve population health. From integrating birth and death registration into community systems in Bangladesh to advancing tobacco control campaigns across six countries, we support practical, scalable solutions tailored to local needs.
22
policy solutions supported at national, state and city levels in 2025.
19
public health systems improvements supported in the region.
345
partnerships with government ministries, agencies and local authorities across the region.
60
strategic communication campaigns supported in partnership with government.
Across 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Vital Strategies partners with governments and civil society to advance healthier, safer communities. From supporting health tax policies in Brazil to improving road safety across the region, our work focuses on strengthening systems that deliver lasting public health impact.
17
policy solutions supported at national, state and city levels in 2025.
8
public health systems improvements supported in the region.
87
partnerships with government ministries, agencies and local authorities across the region.
49
strategic communication campaigns supported in partnership with government.
Building Partnerships That Deliver Impact
We apply our core approaches—data systems and public health intelligence, strategic communication and policy solutions—to help governments strengthen public health systems and improve health at scale.
- Data Systems and Public Health Intelligence
- Policy Solutions
- Strategic Communication
Advancing data, digital tools and AI to strengthen public health decision-making.
Vital Strategies is supporting governments in using digital innovation and artificial intelligence to improve how health systems identify risks, target interventions and respond earlier to emerging challenges.
In Brazil, an AI-driven early warning system for gender-based violence is helping health professionals identify cases earlier and strengthen pathways to care. Following successful implementation in Recife, the initiative expanded in partnership with Rio de Janeiro in 2025.
At a technical workshop in Recife, Brazil, Vital’s Sofia Reinach presents a graphic that shows how gender-based violence can be identified earlier.
90
In Recife, Brazil, AI analysis of primary care records helped identify gender-based violence cases up to 90 days earlier than when reported through usual systems, catalyzing government action to strengthen GBV reporting through the primary care system.
At a technical workshop in Recife, Brazil, Vital’s Sofia Reinach presents a graphic that shows how gender-based violence can be identified earlier.
Turning evidence into durable government action.
Vital Strategies works with governments to translate data and scientific evidence into regulatory and legislative policies that improve health and reduce harm.
In Indonesia, the country’s first government-led national survey of children’s blood lead levels generated actionable evidence about the scale and sources of lead exposure, informing recommendations for surveillance, regulation and prevention.
Edwin Siswono (far right), epidemiologist at Vital Strategies, trains health workers in Tangerang, Indonesia to use the LeadCare II analyzer.
1 in 7
Indonesian children have elevated blood lead levels that warrant clinical intervention.
Edwin Siswono (far right), epidemiologist at Vital Strategies, trains health workers in Tangerang, Indonesia to use the LeadCare II analyzer.
Supporting lifesaving policies and tracking harmful industry marketing practices.
Strategic communication builds the public understanding that turns healthier policies into reality. Vital Strategies supported the launch of “Notebooks to Nicotine,” a report documenting how tobacco companies market products near schools in Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan. The campaign combined research, digital storytelling and audience engagement to expose industry tactics targeting children and young people.
STOP’s “Notebooks to Nicotine” report exposes the magnitude of tobacco and nicotine product advertising and promotion near primary and secondary schools in Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan.
6M
Impressions and more than 44,800 clicks in Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S. for a new STOP brief about current evidence on heated tobacco products.
STOP’s “Notebooks to Nicotine” report exposes the magnitude of tobacco and nicotine product advertising and promotion near primary and secondary schools in Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan.
Our Areas of Impact
In more than 80 countries, we build solutions as diverse as our partners’ challenges. What they share is a focus on sustainability: Data-informed policies, put into practice by strong institutions in dialogue with the public, create communities where everyone can live healthier, more vital lives.
Promoting Health
Creating environments where health is the default.
We support policies and practices that reduce exposure to major drivers of disease—including tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food—helping create environments where healthier choices are easier choices.
90%
of businesses in that are compliance with tobacco control laws enacted in Karachi, Pakistan in 2024, up from 59% in 2022. Above, in Islamabad, National Tobacco Control Leadership Workshop participants with a sign that reads, “Breathe Freely, the Centaurus Mall is a Smoke-Free Zone.”
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countries where Vital Strategies has supported governments to institute health taxes on tobacco, alcohol or sugary drinks, including three health taxes passed in 2025. Above, Vital’s booth at the World Conference on Tobacco Control 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
350M+
people reached through food policy advocacy campaigns across eight countries. Here, advocates at a campaign stakeholder engagement event for the South Africa front-of-package labeling campaign.
800
news stories generated about Brazil’s alcohol tax reform, elevating the issue among policymakers and the public. Above, a billboard for Brazil’s “Dose of Reality” campaign about alcohol harms.
Preventing Harm
Reducing exposure to the biggest drivers of disease and injury.
We work with governments and partners to reduce preventable injuries and deaths caused by road traffic crashes, overdose, violence and other major risks to health and safety.
26,000
hospitalizations and emergency department visits avoided since 2018 in Michigan, thanks to harm reduction efforts. Above, a colorful, hopeful mural in Detroit, made possible in partnership with the city, community organizations and Vital.
20%
of annual parking levy revenue now dedicated to improving walking and cycling infrastructure across Lusaka, Zambia. Here, Mayor Chilando Chitangala (third from right) leads a walking tour for city delegations during a Partnership for Healthy Cities workshop.
11 out of 25
provincial hospitals in Cambodia that now provide services for gender-based violence survivors, informed by analysis from the Data to Policy program and with plans for nationwide expansion. Above, a service unit at Kg Cham provincial hospital.
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road safety injury and fatality reports launched across participating cities, equipping city leaders with data to guide planning and action. Above, speed enforcement training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Protecting Communities
Building resilience against environmental threats.
We help communities improve their lived environments to support optimal health by addressing emerging and long-term threats, including health impacts of climate change, environmental hazards and growing urban health challenges.
600+
schools and universities with smoke-free and electronic cigarette-free zones as part of a Partnership for Healthy Cities-sponsored initiative in Medellín, Colombia. Schoolchildren designed anti-smoking signs during the initiative’s launch.
3.6 Million
people to be reached by 3,000 accredited social health activists (ASHAs) in India trained on health impacts of air pollution, using a handbook developed by Vital Strategies. Above, an ASHA reviews materials during training.
10
weather stations measuring heat-health risks in Fortaleza, Brazil, as part of its Partnership for Healthy Cities project. The city’s Climate Risk Observatory combines weather and administrative data to predict and issue early warning alerts on critical climate risks, including heat waves, urban floods and droughts. Above, a staff member checks the weather station at a school.
1,600+
children tested for blood lead levels across three island groups in Indonesia, as part of Vital’s collaboration with the national government. Above, a health worker tests children’s blood lead levels in Semarang, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Pure Earth
New and Expanding Partnerships
- Using AI to Strengthen Cause-of-Death Data
- Expanding Access to Vision Care
- Preventing Lead Poisoning
- Improving Health with Better Data
Vital Strategies, supported by the Gates Foundation, is leading a global consortium to develop CODA—an AI-powered tool that transforms how causes of death are identified in low-resource settings. Where most deaths go undocumented or lack medically certified causes, CODA builds the foundational data governments need to understand population health and deploy resources effectively.
In Quezon City, Philippines, Dr. Neil Brian Antonio (right) conducts a verbal autopsy with Arthur R. Caballero, whose mother passed away in their home. When deaths occur outside of health care facilities, municipal health officers assign a probable cause based on interviews with family members. Photo Credit: Juan Arredondo
In Quezon City, Philippines, Dr. Neil Brian Antonio (right) conducts a verbal autopsy with Arthur R. Caballero, whose mother passed away in their home. When deaths occur outside of health care facilities, municipal health officers assign a probable cause based on interviews with family members. Photo Credit: Juan Arredondo
Through support from the Livelihood Impact Fund, Vital Strategies is helping expand access to affordable reading glasses for the hundreds of millions of people globally living with uncorrected near-vision loss. Beginning in Kenya, our Policy Accelerator is supporting efforts to integrate presbyopia screening into primary health care systems and remove regulatory barriers limiting access to reading glasses—an intervention that can improve livelihoods, productivity and well-being.
Vital President and CEO Mary-Ann Etiebet (front, center) meets with members of the Kenya Council of Governors and the Livelihood Impact Fund about the Eyeglasses Initiative.
Vital President and CEO Mary-Ann Etiebet (front, center) meets with members of the Kenya Council of Governors and the Livelihood Impact Fund about the Eyeglasses Initiative.
Vital Strategies launched a new initiative in Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana and India to help governments address childhood lead poisoning through stronger policy, surveillance and prevention efforts. The initiative supports representative blood-lead surveys, clinical systems improvement, data integration and policy promotion to better understand and reduce exposures.
A child undergoes blood lead testing in Maharashtra, India. In partnership with the Public Health Department of Maharashtra, more than 1,400 children ages 13–72 months were screened across eight districts.
A child undergoes blood lead testing in Maharashtra, India. In partnership with the Public Health Department of Maharashtra, more than 1,400 children ages 13–72 months were screened across eight districts.
In 2025, Vital Strategies expanded its partnership with Umane in Brazil through the More Data Better Health initiative, which strengthens health data collection and informs public policy decision-making. The program supports innovation in data collection methodologies while generating insight into emerging and underexplored public health challenges. New modules launched in 2025 focused on primary health care access, everyday discrimination, and the impacts of climate change in Brazil’s Legal Amazon region.
More Data Better Health launches at Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Brasília alongside the release of its primary health care module.
More Data Better Health launches at Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Brasília alongside the release of its primary health care module.
Building What Lasts
Public health is entering a new era—one defined by rapid change, growing complexity and new opportunities to prevent disease and protect population-level health.
Around the world, countries are strengthening data systems, advancing prevention-focused policies and investing in the infrastructure needed to respond to emerging challenges.
Vital Strategies is committed to helping governments build stronger public health systems—advancing data intelligence, supporting evidence-based policy and strengthening the communication and partnerships that make public health action possible.
Countries that invest in prevention, strong data systems and effective public health infrastructure today will be best positioned to protect health in the years ahead.
Together with our partners, we remain focused on building systems that improve health, prevent harm and strengthen communities for generations to come.
Learn how Vital Strategies is helping build healthier futures around the world
Panelists from the 2025 4th NCD Alliance Global Forum panel “Bridging the financing gap: Sustainable investments & solutions for NCDs.” Mary-Ann Etiebet and her fellow panelists addressed journalists about how to create sustainable markets for health.
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