Driving Evidence-Based Solutions for Lasting Health and Nutrition Impact

At AfriCHAN, research is the backbone of everything we do. We believe that high-quality data, community-driven evidence, and scientific research are essential for designing effective programs and influencing policies that shape a healthier Africa.

Our Research & Data Innovation Program is dedicated to generating the insights needed to understand the true drivers of malnutrition, maternal challenges, and community health gaps — and to provide actionable recommendations for government, partners, and communities.

OUR RESEARCH APPROACH

1. Community-Centered Research

AfriCHAN conducts research directly within communities to understand:

• Daily feeding practices

• Maternal nutrition behaviors

• Household food security

• Hygiene and sanitation challenges

• Gender and social dynamics

• Barriers to health facility access

We include voices from mothers, fathers, youth, health workers, and local leaders to ensure research findings reflect real-life conditions.

2. Large-Scale Surveys and Nutritional Assessments

We carry out district-level and regional assessments such as:

• Nutrition baseline surveys

• Anthropometric measurements (MUAC, height, weight)

• KAP surveys (Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices)

• Disease burden assessments

• Maternal health follow-up studies

Our studies reach thousands of households to collect accurate, representative data.

3. Health Facility Data Strengthening

AfriCHAN collaborates with district health offices to:

• Assess facility readiness

• Evaluate quality of care

• Review maternal and newborn health records

• Monitor child growth data

• Improve data management systems

We help facilities adopt better data tools for improved decision-making.

OUR RESEARCH THEMATIC AREAS

✔ Child Nutrition & Stunting

We study the causes, patterns, and consequences of:

• Chronic malnutrition

• Stunting trends

• Poor diet diversity

• Feeding practices

• Food insecurity influences

Findings help us design targeted interventions for children under five.

✔ Maternal Health & Nutrition

Our studies explore:

• ANC attendance

• Maternal diets

• Micronutrient intake

• Breastfeeding initiation

• Maternal morbidity patterns

We identify gaps and recommend strategies to support healthier pregnancies and safer motherhood.

✔ Community Health Systems

We assess:

• VHT performance

• Referral systems

• Data quality

• Supply chain challenges

• Health-seeking behaviours

This helps districts strengthen their community-level service delivery.

✔ Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

Research covers:

• Household hygiene behaviors

• Water sources and contamination risks

• Effects of hygiene on child illnesses

• Sanitation gaps in rural communities

WASH findings are integrated into our nutrition programs.

✔ Climate & Food Security

We conduct studies on:

• Climate impacts on crop production

• Household food availability

• Seasonal hunger patterns

• Resilience strategies

This helps communities adapt to changing climates.

DATA INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Digital Data Collection Tools

AfriCHAN is modernizing community data through:

• Mobile data collection apps

• Digital MUAC tools

• Real-time dashboards

• SMS-based community reporting

• GPS-enabled field mapping

Digital systems reduce errors, improve timeliness, and support decision-making.

2. Data Analysis & Reporting

Our team uses statistical software to produce:

• Baseline and endline reports

• Policy briefs

• Community scorecards

• Visual dashboards

• Scientific publications

We translate complex data into simple, actionable insights.

3. Capacity Building for Health Workers

We train health workers and VHTs in:

• Data collection

• Reporting tools

• HMIS (Health Management Information Systems)

• Evidence-based planning

• Monitoring and evaluation

This builds strong, sustainable district systems.

RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS

AfriCHAN works with:

• Makerere University School of Public Health

• District health offices

• Local governments

• Nutrition and health NGOs

• International research bodies

• Community organizations

Through these partnerships, we co-create studies and share findings widely.

POLICY INFLUENCE AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Our research findings are shared with stakeholders through:

• Policy dialogues

• District planning meetings

• National conferences

• Advocacy campaigns

• Technical working groups

This ensures that the evidence we generate leads to real policy action and improved services.

IMPACT OF OUR RESEARCH & DATA WORK

AfriCHAN’s research efforts have:

• Guided district-level nutrition planning

• Improved health worker data accuracy

• Enhanced maternal and child health interventions

• Strengthened VHT community systems

• Shaped food security recommendations

• Informed policy at local and regional levels

OUR DOCUMENTS

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