GAHP Strengthens Partnerships in Vietnam During EPP-VN September Trip (8 -12 September)

Just days after Vietnam celebrated 80 years of Independence, GAHP had a five-day mission to the country (8–12 September 2025). The purpose of the trip was clear: meet with local partners, review progress on the Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP), and strengthen the collaboration to ensure smooth implementation and reporting. 

The Programme Behind the Mission 

Launched in 2022 and funded by UK International Development through the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environmental Pollution Programme – Vietnam (EPP-VN) brings together global and local expertise to tackle pollution where it matters most. The programme is led by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) in partnership with the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) on open burning, the Center for Environment and Development (CED) on solid waste management, and the Rainforest Alliance (RA) on sustainable pest management. Together, these partners are advancing practical, science-based solutions to reduce pollution, protect human health, and promote cleaner, more sustainable livelihoods across Vietnam. 

Collaboration in Action – Ho Chi Minh City 

The mission began in Ho Chi Minh City (8–10 September), where GAHP and VACNE reviewed progress and outlined upcoming activities, including farmer workshops and educational documentaries on sustainable straw management. During the visit, GAHP also met with Nguyen Tat Thanh University and the Space Technology Application Center to strengthen technical collaboration. 

At a working session hosted by the Institute of Interdisciplinary Sciences, faculty and researchers presented the "Post-Harvest Straw Treatment Model"— a pioneering initiative supporting Vietnam’s one-million-hectare organic rice project in the Mekong Delta. By turning rice straw into a resource rather than waste, the model helps cut air pollution, improve public health, and boost farmers’ livelihoods. 

The farmer uses multifunctional microbial inoculants to treat rice straw in the field. Samples of bio-products from Nguyen Tat Thanh University were used to decompose rice straw to reduce chemical pesticide use.

The team also toured the university’s High Technology Development Center, which demonstrated how advanced laboratories and research capacity can drive innovative pollution solutions. 

At the Space Technology Application Center in Ho Chi Minh City, the team and GIS experts began shaping plans for an open burning mapping system that will use satellite data to track hotspots and guide interventions. 

Hanoi Meetings: New Collaborations and Ongoing Partnerships 

The mission then moved north to Hanoi (11–12 September), where GAHP continued a series of in-depth working sessions with its partners. 

A highlight was the meeting with the Center for Environment and Development (CED), GAHP’s newest implementing partner. The discussion marked the beginning of collaboration on improving waste management systems, with CED sharing early progress and ideas for integrating more sustainable and community-focused approaches. 

GAHP also reconnected with the Vietnam Environmental Emergency Response Center (SOS Môi Trường) to coordinate an upcoming outreach campaign that will encourage farmers to adopt rice straw re-processing practices. The initiative will combine communication, education, and incentives to help farmers shift away from open burning. 

During last year's EPP VN field trip, the GAHP, Defra, and VACNE delegations met with local farmers to review work progress. (Photo credit: SOS Vietnam)

At the Nhan Van Center, the focus turned to technology and data. Together with local technical experts, GAHP’s team explored GIS mapping and other technological alternatives to open burning in northern provinces. The group also reviewed ongoing study reports, remote sensing applications, and survey design — setting the stage for a shared plan to map key hotspots and strengthen Vietnam’s environmental health network in support of the national One Health policy. 

Finally, GAHP held a debriefing session with VACNE’s Chairman, Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh, and VACNE’s committee member, Đặng Huy Huỳnh (ASEAN Biodiversity Hero) on results of mission to Viet Nam as well as next steps to move on with project implementation. Both parties exchanged their vision for Vietnam’s environmental health approach in the near future. The meeting underscored the strong spirit of partnership and mutual commitment driving the programme forward. 

Discussion with the Nhan Van team and a reception gathering with VACNE Chairman and committee members to exchange wishes and discuss the future of Vietnam’s environmental health efforts. (Photo credit: VACNE)