UNILAG, UNICEF Unveil Nigeria’s First Behavioural Lab to Tackle Child Mortality

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09/01/26 • 25 Visualizzazioni • 0 Condividere • Pubblicato in Altro

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other key stakeholders, has inaugurated the Behavioural Insights Research and Design Laboratory (BIRD-Lab), a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing child and maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.

The research hub, situated at UNILAG’s College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, is being implemented in collaboration with the Network of Behavioural Research for Child Survival in Nigeria (NETBRECSIN), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and several development partners. Designed as a collaborative innovation space, the BIRD-Lab will test evidence-based solutions and scale behavioural science interventions to improve child survival and well-being.

At least 19 universities across the country—including the University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, University of Nigeria, University of Abuja, Lagos State University, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, University of Jos, and Chrisland University—have been selected to participate in the initiative.

Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafa Saeed, highlighted the lab’s critical role in addressing child mortality, noting that understanding human behaviour is central to improving child health outcomes. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting efforts that ensure children not only survive but thrive and reach their full potential.

UNICEF Nigeria Deputy Country Representative, Rownak Khan, described the initiative as particularly significant due to its potential impact on women and children, while UNICEF Chief of Social Behaviour Change, Kshitij Joshi, emphasised that the BIRD-Lab represents a comprehensive behavioural approach that integrates academia, civil society, media, and the private sector.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, expressed optimism about the project’s success. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi, she said the initiative is positioned for significant impact because of its multidisciplinary design, national relevance, and strong government backing.

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