MAKERERE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Africa-led, evidence-based solutions for strengthening health systems that scale

For decades, the MNCH Centre has turned research into policies and innovations that improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health plus nutrition across Sub-Saharan Africa.

With Support from
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Sida Save the Children
22+

Countries

Regional Footprint

100+

High-Impact Projects

Decade of Partnership

34% Reduction

Pre-Eclampsia Complications

28% Drop

Fresh Stillbirth Rates

About Us

Strengthening Health Systems for All

The Makerere University Centre of Excellence for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) is an African-led research and policy engagement institution dedicated to generating and translating high-quality evidence to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) outcomes. The Centre plays a catalytic role in advancing data-driven decision-making, strengthening health systems, and informing equitable health policies and programs in Uganda, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

About Us

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Our Focus Areas

Advancing Health Where It Matters Most

Our work spans priority health areas where we generate evidence, inform policy, and support implementation. We focus on strengthening health systems to improve maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa and other LMICs.

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View all Our Key Focus Areas to explore our work

Innovations Transforming Health Systems

African-led innovations advancing maternal, newborn, and child health through research, digital systems, and scalable care models across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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How We Work

From Evidence to Impact

We translate evidence into action through a structured approach that integrates research, policy engagement, and health systems strengthening. This ensures that our work across focus areas leads to meaningful, measurable improvements in health outcomes and service delivery across diverse settings.

Evidence

Evidence Generation

High-quality research forming the foundation for informed decision-making.

Policy

Policy Engagement

Translating evidence into policies that shape resilient health systems.

Systems

Systems Strengthening

Improving service delivery and building capacity at all levels.

Community

Community & Implementation

Ensuring sustainable and meaningful impact in real-world settings.

Programs in Action

Delivering Impact Where It Matters Most

We implement targeted initiatives across our focus areas, translating evidence into practical solutions that strengthen health systems and improve outcomes for women, newborns, and children.

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See Our Work in Action

Explore stories, interviews, and field insights showing how MNCH evidence, partnerships, and community-based innovations are improving health systems and outcomes.

A mother breastfeeding her newborn child — MNCH programme beneficiary
  • Our Reach 22+ Countries Expanding evidence-based solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • In Practice Uganda Newborn Programme Strengthening facility and community systems to improve newborn survival.
  • Community Impact 120K+ Lives Reached Improving care access at facility and household level.

Our Impact

Driving Measurable Change Across Communities

Across 22+ countries, our work is strengthening health systems and improving outcomes for women, newborns, and children. From advancing national newborn programmes to supporting community-based care models, our initiatives translate research into real-world impact, reaching thousands of families and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

Research & Evidence

Research & Scientific Contributions

Our research continues to shape policy, inform practice, and strengthen health systems across the region. Through high-impact publications and collaborative studies, we generate evidence that drives meaningful change in maternal, newborn, and child health.

100+
Publications
54
H-Index
14,933
Citations
176
i10-Index

Get Involved

Be Part of Strengthening Health Systems

Whether you are a researcher, partner, policymaker, or supporter, there are many ways to engage with our work and contribute to improving health outcomes across the region.

Our programs

Latest News & Updates

Our work spans priority health areas where we generate evidence, inform policy, and support implementation. We focus on strengthening health systems to improve maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa and other LMICs.

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Who We Work With

Working Together to Strengthen Health Systems

Our work is made possible through strong partnerships with governments, academic institutions, development partners, and communities. Together, we co-create solutions that drive sustainable improvements in health systems and outcomes.

What People Say

Real People, Real Voices, Real Impact

The work of the MNCH Centre has been acknowledged and referenced by researchers, policy experts, and global health institutions across different regions. The statements presented here reflect independently documented perspectives on the Centre’s contribution to health systems strengthening and maternal and newborn health impact at scale.

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