How We Work
Evidence that Saves Lives and Strengthens Health Systems
The Makerere Centre of Excellence for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health turns research, innovation and partnerships into practical improvements for mothers, newborns, children and frontline health workers across Uganda and beyond.
A Global First in Digital Health Financing
The Centre conducted the world’s first multi-country study on digital payments for campaign health workers, generating evidence on how digital systems can improve efficiency, transparency, accountability and equity in health campaigns.
World’s First
Digital payments research for campaign health workers
28 Countries
Evidence generated across campaign settings
Global Adoption
Informing WHO and Gates Foundation approaches
Policy Influence
Shaping digital health systems
Transforming Newborn Care at Scale
Through the Uganda Newborn Programme, the Centre worked with partners to strengthen care for small and sick newborns across high-burden districts in Kampala, North-Central and Western Uganda. The programme improved facility readiness, trained and mentored frontline teams, refurbished neonatal care units and extended care into homes through Village Health Teams.
Uganda’s first human milk bank was established at Nsambya Hospital with support from ELMA Philanthropies.
- Newborn Care 120,000+ Small & sick newborns reached between 2022 and 2025.
Shaping Policy Through Evidence
The Centre’s research does not stop at publication. It informs national planning, investment decisions and implementation strategies for maternal, newborn and child health.
Newborn Health Situation Analysis
Produced with NPA, UNICEF, FHI360 and the Ministry of Health, the 2023 Situation Analysis of Newborn Health is guiding national strategy and costing for newborn investments.
Countdown 2030 Uganda
The Centre contributed to Uganda’s RMNCAH 2020–2024 report, using routine data to track coverage, equity and mortality outcomes.
60+ Publications
Peer-reviewed research continues to strengthen local and global evidence for maternal, newborn and child health programming.
Innovation for the Next Generation of Health Systems
The Centre is advancing practical innovations that help health systems detect risks earlier, respond faster and deliver better care.
VectorCam: AI-Powered Mosquito Surveillance
Scaling to 22 districts with Johns Hopkins and the Ministry of Health, VectorCam supports faster, smarter malaria vector surveillance.
AI for Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In partnership with Johns Hopkins and MUST, the Centre is piloting low-cost AI diagnostics designed to reduce diagnosis time from months to days.
Where Our Work Shows Up
MNCH Centre works across Uganda and collaborates regionally and globally to generate evidence, test innovations and support stronger health systems.
Partner With Us to Scale What Works
MNCH Centre is ready to work with funders, governments, academic institutions and implementation partners to scale proven models, generate policy-relevant evidence and strengthen health systems for mothers, newborns and children.