Using a whole systems approach, we work across high burden settings in India, Kenya, Malawi, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We aim to develop, test and implement sustainable and cost-effective solutions to strengthen maternity and newborn care, reducing mortality and morbidity through high-quality, respectful and compassionate maternity and newborn care. Activities cover the entire spectrum of maternal and newborn health from preconception to post/neonatal care, with a strong focus on meaningful community and stakeholder partnerships. We co-produce research with women, families, front-line health workers and policy makers. We have methodological expertise across development including evidence synthesis, exploratory (qualitative and quantitative approaches), core outcomes sets, clinical trials and implementation research.  

Capacity strengthening for maternal and newborn health research, across all partner countries is embedded throughout the Unit. We have a particular, but not exclusive, interest and experience in developing midwifery and nursing research capacity to address global shortages in these disciplines. Our development programmes span masters, PhD and post-doctoral fellowships as well as project specific and institutional skills training. All staff have regular development reviews, we have an active mentorship programme and facilitate networking opportunities across partner institutions and research sites.