Nairobi: Leading experts and stakeholders have called for enhanced investment in research and innovation to improve health and development outcomes for children. The call was made during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Aga Khan University's Institute for Human Development (IHD), which featured an international conference focused on unlocking human potential across the lifespan.
According to the Aga Khan University, the conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the importance of sustained investments in early childhood development, particularly during the formative first years of life. Despite significant progress in recent decades, participants highlighted persistent gaps that prevent children from reaching their full developmental potential.
The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) reveals that 18 percent of children under five are stunted due to chronic undernutrition. Further, only 31 percent of children aged 6-23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet, with 37 percent achieving minimum dietary diversity. Studies by the Institute for Human Development have also identified challenges faced by caregivers in providing responsive caregiving and early learning opportunities, particularly in Nairobi's informal settlements.
Experts noted that factors such as poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate access to quality childcare contribute to these challenges. Additionally, caregiver stress and under-resourced health and education systems exacerbate the situation. The conference, supported by organizations including the Hilton Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, and Science for Africa Foundation, underscored the necessity of targeted investments to address these issues.
The event emphasized the importance of brain health research during early childhood, a critical period for lifelong learning and well-being. Prof. Amina Abubakar, Director of the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development, stressed the need for research to identify effective interventions and generate evidence to improve child health outcomes.
The conference concluded with a call for collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen human development systems and drive sustainable progress. Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation, highlighted the role of research in informing policies that respond to community needs and create future opportunities. As IHD celebrates a decade of contributions to child development, it continues to lead efforts in generating evidence and informing policy innovations in low-resource settings.