VIA: Diversity as a Key to Digital Health Solutions

Health information is essential for everyone – but not everyone can access it easily. People with a migration background often face linguistic and cultural barriers. The VIA project – Connect, Inform, Activate – at OST University of Applied Sciences aims to change that: with a technological solution that makes information understandable and accessible.

On November 24, 2025, a workshop was held in St. Gallen. Participants from Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, Poland, and North Macedonia shared their perspectives. They reported challenges in navigating the Swiss healthcare system: complicated medical terminology, lack of translations, complex procedures, unclear costs, and uncertainty when using digital services.

Our goal is to develop a solution that responds to real needs. The workshop was a crucial step toward this. The insights gathered will directly inform the development of a prototype – a digital platform that consolidates information, offers it in multiple languages, and facilitates access to healthcare services.

Why Diversity Matters
Switzerland is diverse: around one-third of the population has a migration background. For healthcare to work for everyone, information must be clear and easily accessible. VIA addresses this need by combining research, technology, and social responsibility.

Next Steps
The VIA team is now working on implementing the prototype. The aim is a solution that not only functions technically but is also culturally sensitive.

Learn more about the project: VIA – Enhancing Health and Integration of Older Migrants