This year, we’ve been celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). Over the past decade, GHAI has worked alongside incredible partners across the globe to champion life-saving policies in their countries and help them build healthier communities.
To mark this occasion, we’ve asked 10 team members to share the moments that have meant the most to them over the past decade—policy victories, personal memories and milestones.
Each short video offers a glimpse into the heart of what we do: the stories of those driving change and the partnerships behind them.
Mike Palma, the Philippines, Data for Health
Win: Billboards at Manila Airport spotlight CRVS campaign
In the Philippines, over 1.8 million children are without birth certificates, which severely limits their ability to obtain legal documents, access essential health and education services and benefit from state programs. Recognizing these challenges, we spearheaded a campaign urging legislators to place comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics with Identity Management (CRVSID) systems at the forefront of policy reforms. This effort aims to ensure every child has the legal recognition needed to thrive. Learn more about a day in Mike’s life and how this campaign is driving meaningful change here.
Lopa Gosh, Senior Communications Adviser, Primary Health Care
Win: Combating hypertension with free medications in Bangladesh and nationwide screening in India
Hypertension, affecting over 1.4 billion people globally, is the world’s leading killer, causing at least 10 million deaths annually. Lopa shares how our advocacy efforts have made free hypertension medications at community clinics in Bangladesh, benefiting over 147,000 patients, with 52 percent achieving controlled blood pressure. In India, we also supported a government-led nationwide screening and awareness program to combat one of the country’s leading causes of death.
Gema Granados, Colombia, Road Safety
Win: Passing Colombia's Julián Esteban Law for safer roads
GHAI supported the introduction and implementation of the Julián Esteban Law in Colombia, which mandates a Safe System Approach to road safety by introducing speed limits of 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways, aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The law requires local authorities to develop and update speed management plans every two years, ensuring data-driven enforcement. GHAI provided technical assistance to advocacy partners as the bill advanced through Congress, marking a significant step towards reducing road fatalities and increasing vehicle safety standards in Colombia.
Libby Jones, Program Director, Overdose Prevention
Win: MAT Act victory expands addiction treatment access for millions
In 2022, GHAI spearheaded efforts to pass the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, a critical law that removed outdated federal restrictions on prescribing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Once the MAT Act was enacted and implemented in early 2023, it significantly expanded access to addiction treatment, increasing the number of authorized prescribers from 130,000 to 1.8 million.
Stephen Atasige, Ghana, Immunization
Win: Ghana achieves Gavi co-financing milestone with GHAI support
In March 2024, Ghana celebrated a major policy win by meeting its Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s, co-financing obligation for 2023, a critical step toward sustainable immunization financing. This success was driven by advocacy efforts led by GHAI and our partner, Hope for Future Generations, who convened civil society organizations, academics, journalists and community leaders to push for increased investment in immunization. As the coalition focuses on fulfilling ongoing obligations, GHAI continues to support efforts to expand vaccine access, particularly for children who have never had a vaccination in vulnerable communities.
Mariana de Araujo Ferraz, Director, Food Policy for Asia, Latin America and Caribbean
Win: Landmark decree restricts ultra-processed foods and promotes nutrition education in Brazil’s schools
In December 2023, GHAI celebrated the signing of Presidential Decree No. 11,821 in Brazil, which established a national framework to promote healthy eating in schools by restricting ultra-processed products, integrating food and nutrition education and shielding students from unhealthy food marketing. This landmark decree, achieved through years of advocacy led by local partners including Idec, sets clear principles to guide local policies, laying the groundwork for healthier school environments and long-term improvements in children’s health.
Doan Thi Thu Huyen, Vietnam Country Director, Drowning Prevention
Win: 10-year action plan aims to lower child drowning deaths in Vietnam by 2030
In 2021, Vietnam launched a comprehensive 10-Year Action Plan on Child Injury Prevention (2021-2030) to address child drowning, one of the leading causes of death among children in the country. With support from GHAI and WHO Vietnam, the plan aims to reduce child drowning deaths by 10 percent by 2025 and 20 percent by 2030 through evidence-based interventions, including survival swimming and water safety education for children aged 6-15. The program, integrated into the education system and funded by the government, has already nearly doubled swimming rates in targeted areas and aims to train thousands more children while expanding to 22 provinces, covering almost half of Vietnam’s child drowning burden.
Justinian Kateera, Uganda, Epidemic Preparedness
Win: Uganda secures $15.4 million for epidemic preparedness
In a major public health milestone, the Ugandan government allocated 57.8 billion Uganda shillings (approximately USD 15.4 million) for epidemic preparedness in its 2024-25 fiscal year. This achievement was driven by collaborative efforts led by GHAI’s Uganda In-Country Coordinator, Justinian Kateera, who worked closely with government officials and key stakeholders to secure this critical funding to strengthen Uganda’s ability to respond to public health emergencies and safeguard its citizens from the threat of epidemics.
Mario Muñoz, Ecuador, Road Safety
Win: Ecuador’s coalition for safe mobility advances road safety amid political challenges
In the face of political instability, Ecuador’s Coalition for Safe Mobility, supported by GHAI and the Global Road Safety Partnership, has made significant strides in advocating for safer roads. Founded in 2022, the Coalition now unites over 50 civil society organizations, focusing on implementing regulations from the 2021 Transit Law, improving the penal code for traffic violations and promoting local road safety ordinances. Key achievements include delivering technical recommendations to policymakers, launching public awareness campaigns like “There are no accidents, they are casualties and are preventable,” and advocating for reduced speed limits during World Road Safety Week.
Dr. Om Prakash Bera, India, Cardiovascular Health
Win: India eliminates industrially produced trans fat
India achieved a major public health milestone by eliminating industrially produced trans fat in oils, fats and food products, capping it at less than 2 percent of total fat by January 2022—one year ahead of the WHO's target. Supported by public health advocates and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, this regulation reduces the risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions, saving lives and alleviating health care burdens.
