CanWaCH newsletter: Our flagship report, a new training opportunity and launching an SRHR analysis!

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Presenting the 2025 Global Health Impact Report!

CanWaCH is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Global Health Impact Report.

This edition takes a closer look at what it means to generate evidence in a rapidly shifting global health data landscape. Alongside updated insights from the Project Explorer and new findings from our 2025 data drives, the report explores key developments shaping how impact is understood and used across the sector.

Drawing on practitioner consultations, the work of CanWaCH’s Metrics Working Group and insights from the 2025 Global Health Impact Summit, the report makes the case for evidence systems that value rigor and relevance, bringing numbers and narratives together.

In review: International Development Week 2026

Congratulations to all involved and engaged in last week’s International Development Week (IDW) activities! CanWaCH, Cooperation Canada, ONE Canada and Results Canada were pleased to welcome Parliamentarians, sector leaders and changemakers for an engaging IDW reception. The evening featured remarks from the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State International Development, recognizing the important contributions made by Canadian organizations working to advance international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

From February 4 to 7, Our Potential, Our Purpose, a travelling Aga Khan Foundation Canada exhibition, was on display in Ottawa! It showcases inspiring stories of people taking on big challenges like inequality, education access, and climate change to build stronger communities. Meet some of the changemakers featured and keep up with future showings on the exhibition website.

Tackling international cooperation misconceptions with a joint initiative 

While International Development Week is a critical moment to celebrate the sector, it’s also an opportunity to tackle the pervasive misconceptions around our work. To kick off the week, members of the CanWaCH Public Engagement Working Group (PEWG) collaborated on an FAQ-style blog post addressing some of the most common questions and criticisms surrounding global health and development.

Upcoming event: A discussion on strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusion in health service delivery

On March 5, Transparency International Canada and CanWaCH will be hosting a crucial discussion on corruption and discrimination, highlighting progress in improving access to health services for women, girls and marginalized communities. The session will bring together representatives from Inclusive Service Delivery Africa (ISDA) chapters and guests working in the field. Join us as they share updates, discuss challenges, and explore practical approaches to strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusion in health service delivery. 

CanWaCH participates in Just the Numbers analysis launch

CanWaCH CEO Caitlin Goggin joined Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Guttmacher Institute at a press conference to launch Just the Numbers. Produced by the Guttmacher Institute and the Future Planning Initiative, the analysis highlights the impact of Canada’s investments in family planning and underscores the importance of sustaining support for sexual and reproductive health and rights globally, particularly amid proposed cuts to international assistance.

Introducing our new blog series: The Ask

In January, we introduced a new series to the CanWaCH blog called The Ask. Through this series, we’ll dig deeper into the ‘who’ of the Canadian global health and international development sector. We’ll sit down with the people behind the projects — folks working in and around the sector who have their own stories to share. In the first article, two sector veterans discuss the rapidly changing leadership landscape, and the innovative program they’ve developed in response.

New training opportunity: Gender Responsive Budgeting

Hosted virtually on March 3 and 4, this two-part, five-hour virtual training introduces participants to Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in non-profit health projects, building from foundational concepts to practical application. 

Participants will explore what GRB is, why it matters for health outcomes and donor accountability, and how it fits across the project cycle. Discussions integrated throughout the module will explore how practitioners can ensure gender is integrated adequately in an environment of diminishing or reduced political will and resources.

News from the Pan-Canadian Women’s Health Coalition: Spotlight on The GEM Hub – KnowledGE Mobilization for pregnancy and post-pregnancy care

The GEM Hub is a community-driven network bringing together people with lived experience, health care providers, researchers and policy-makers from across Canada. Grounded in relationships, shared learning and creativity, members  work alongside one another to shape research and knowledge mobilization to improve pregnancy and post-pregnancy care.

For this Grand Rounds, the Hub will share insights and progress on co-creation work using practical examples — from visual resources, to clinical algorithms and tools, as well as new methodologies and processes. 

Join the session on February 25 at 12 p.m. EST to chat about what has been working well, what has been challenging and precious lessons learned across the Coalition.

One month to go! Secure your spot at the inaugural national summit on women’s health

Hosted on March 24 and 25 in Toronto, Vitally Important: National Women’s Health Summit will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, innovators and advocates from across the country for two days of conversation, collaboration and action. 

In addition to this outstanding lineup, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser — physician, coach and four-time Olympic gold medallist — as a special guest at the evening reception on day one.

Outcomes and recommendations from our multi-stakeholder retreat on global nutrition

On October 1 and 2, 2025, CanWaCH and Action Against Hunger Canada convened a Multi-Stakeholder Retreat on Canada’s Investments in Global Nutrition in Ottawa. The goal was to generate a collective understanding of the challenges affecting global nutrition, examine opportunities for action, and articulate a set of practical recommendations for Canada and its partners.

We’re excited to present Delivering Lifesaving Nutrition, a report synthesizing insights from the Retreat and providing actionable recommendations for both the Government of Canada and implementing partners.

News, resources and publications

News spotlight: A 2026 look at Black changemakers, innovators and disruptors shaping Canada’s international cooperation, Cooperation Canada

To celebrate Black History Month, Cooperation Canada is highlighting Black changemakers, innovators and disruptors in Canadian international cooperation. Keep up with the series to meet leaders whose achievements, challenges and perspectives are transforming the sector and advancing equity, inclusion and justice.

Learnings from ICFP 2025: A practical, transformative solution to safe abortion care, Colleen Dockerty via Write to Thrive

Abortion in Canada: The Facts, The Fears and the Fight for Access with Frederique Chabot from Action Canada (Podcast), Canadian Association of Midwives

Bactolife Secures Over EUR 30 Million in Series B Funding to Commercialize Innovative Binding Proteins, Cross Border Impact Ventures and EIFO

Collaboration led by BCCHR researchers awarded European funding to improve community-based care in Uganda and Kenya, Institute for Global Health at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospital 

From Windsor to the world: Vitamin A saves lives, Nutrition International

Global Health Expenditure Database (Updated), WHO, via World Bank

Government of Ethiopia, Nutrition International and partners introduce double-fortified salt to reduce neural tube defects in Ethiopia, Nutrition International 

How Staff Are Preparing for the Maternal Center of Excellence’s Opening Day, Partners In Health Canada

Policy Change: What Does It Take to Build Health Systems That Last?, Partners In Health Canada

Putting community at the heart of our work, Operation Eyesight Universal

Rising up against wealth inequality in Canada, Oxfam Canada

Scaling science in action: IDRC launches free online course, IDRC

Supporting a young entrepreneur to build their business and their economic resilience, Cuso International

Supporting education goals for girls in Ethiopia, Cuso International

The Annual Report Survival Guide, Patrick Villemaire, Blue Eclipse Inc. (featuring highlights from CanWaCH and WaterAid Canada annual reports)

Tuberculosis Beyond the Textbook: Gaps, Innovation, and Health Systems Realities (Webinar recording), Partners In Health Canada × Medical Innovation & Global Health Association

TRUST in Midwives: New Canada–Malawi Partnership Confronts Looming Midwife Shortage, Canadian Association of Midwives 

When Services Work Together, Victims/Survivors Regain Power, Santé Monde

Upcoming events  

Event spotlight: March 9 to 20, Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)

Attending CSW70? Please fill out this form or send your event details to [email protected]. We’ll be in attendance and are excited to amplify your activities as we connect with members and partners!

February 18, Beyond 101: A Nuanced, Real-Life Look at Sex Trafficking

February 20, World Day of Social Justice

February 25, Virtual Grand Rounds: The GEM Hub – KnowledGE Mobilization for pregnancy and post-pregnancy care

February 26, World NGO Day

February 28, Breaking Barriers: Community Safety & Wellness Day

March 1-10, 2026 Learning Tour to Uganda

March 6, MIGH X PIH Canada High School Global Health Case Competition

March 24 and 25,  Vitally Important: National Women’s Health Summit

April 9, 8th Annual Global Health Conference

Jobs and opportunities

Kinvia Board Director, Kinvia. Application deadline: February 13

Donor Relations Manager, World Renew. Application deadline: February 16

KT Canada Summer Institute – Applications are open!, Knowledge Translation Canada. Application deadline: February 16

Fundraising and Communications Director, Action Against Hunger Canada. Application deadline: February 20

Youth Leadership Academy, Aga Khan Foundation Canada. Application deadline: February 21

Program Officer EAST, Indigenous Programs, Right to Play. Application deadline: February 22

Strategic Revenue Stream Assessment & Action Plan, MSI Reproductive Choices Canada. Application deadline: February 27

Teachers’ Leadership Institute 2026 Application, Aga Khan Foundation Canada. Application deadline: February 28

Appel à candidatures – Banque de ressources expertes, Santé Monde. Application deadline: March 31

U-Report Canada – Share Your Voice! Youth Opportunity with UNICEF Canada, Unicef Canada. Application deadline: Open until filled

Have an opportunity that you would like to share with us? Please contact us at [email protected].

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Published:

February 12, 2026


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