Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation (CeNHRI)

The Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation (CeNHRI) is a Nigerian health research and innovation institution dedicated to improving newborn survival and strengthening the quality of neonatal healthcare in Nigeria and across Africa.

Located at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, CeNHRI was established to address preventable newborn deaths by connecting scientific research, clinical practice, healthcare worker training and evidence-based policy development. The centre was officially commissioned on 5 June 2026 and is described as Nigeria’s first dedicated centre for newborn health research and innovation. Federal Ministry of Info +1

CeNHRI combines research, clinical care, simulation-based training and partnerships to develop practical solutions to newborn health challenges, including complications associated with prematurity, birth asphyxia and neonatal infections.

Mission

To generate and translate high-quality scientific evidence, deploy scalable newborn health innovations and strengthen health system capacity to reduce neonatal mortality in Africa.

Vision

To become a leading African centre for newborn health research and innovation, translating evidence into improved healthcare practices and policies to end preventable neonatal deaths.

Core Values

• Scientific excellence and evidence-based practice
• Innovation and continuous learning
• Collaboration and partnership
• Accountability and integrity
• Quality healthcare and patient safety
• Equity and commitment to newborn survival
• Capacity strengthening

These values are summarized from the centre’s stated mission, objectives and approach.

Core Areas of Intervention

1. Newborn Health Research

• Conduct research on the leading causes of newborn illness and mortality.
• Generate evidence to improve neonatal healthcare services.
• Investigate context-specific solutions to newborn health challenges.
• Support research publications and knowledge generation.

2. Neonatal Clinical Care

• Promote evidence-based approaches to newborn healthcare.
• Support improvements in the quality and safety of neonatal care.
• Strengthen clinical practices for managing newborn complications.
• Encourage the adoption of effective newborn care interventions.

3. Simulation-Based Training

• Provide practical training for healthcare workers in essential newborn care.
• Strengthen clinical skills for managing neonatal emergencies.
• Improve healthcare workers’ confidence, decision-making and teamwork.
• Promote standardized approaches to newborn resuscitation and emergency care.

4. Health Systems Strengthening

• Strengthen the capacity of healthcare facilities to provide quality newborn care.
• Support improvements in clinical systems and service delivery.
• Promote the use of research evidence in healthcare planning.
• Encourage institutional collaboration and continuous quality improvement.

5. Research Translation and Policy Development

• Translate scientific findings into practical healthcare interventions.
• Support the development of policies, protocols and clinical guidelines.
• Engage policymakers and health institutions on newborn health priorities.
• Promote evidence-informed decision-making.

6. Innovation and Technology

• Identify and support innovative approaches to improving newborn survival.
• Pilot and assess solutions that can be adapted to local healthcare settings.
• Promote scalable interventions for improved neonatal outcomes.

7. Partnerships and Capacity Building

• Collaborate with academic institutions, hospitals, government agencies and development partners.
• Strengthen research and clinical training capacity.
• Support knowledge exchange and professional development.

Geographic Reach

CeNHRI is based at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Although its institutional base is in Nigeria, its stated ambition and research agenda extend across Africa, with a focus on generating evidence and developing solutions that can improve newborn survival in different healthcare settings. Execor +1

Target Beneficiaries and Stakeholders

• Newborn babies requiring essential and specialized healthcare.
• Mothers and families, particularly those facing newborn health challenges.
• Neonatal nurses and midwives.
• Paediatricians and other medical professionals.
• Healthcare workers in primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities.
• Researchers and public health professionals.
• Government health institutions and policymakers.
• Academic and clinical institutions.

Partnerships and Collaboration

CeNHRI’s establishment and development have involved collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, the Gates Foundation, the AIDS Initiative for Social Impact and Development (AISID), and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

The centre also engages healthcare and academic institutions to strengthen research, clinical practice and workforce development. Its documented institutional engagements include the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti, and the College of Medicine, Ekiti State University. Federal Ministry of Info +3

Careers and Opportunities

Potential professional opportunities within CeNHRI include:

• Newborn Health and Neonatal Care
• Paediatrics and Clinical Healthcare
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Medical and Public Health Research
• Implementation Research
• Research Coordination and Management
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
• Simulation-Based Training
• Health Systems Strengthening
• Policy Development and Advocacy
• Data Management and Biostatistics
• Programme and Project Management
• Grants and Partnerships Management
• Communications and Knowledge Management
• Finance and Administration
• Human Resources and Operations

These career areas reflect the centre’s research, clinical, training and institutional responsibilities and do not necessarily indicate current vacancies.

Focus Areas – Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation (CeNHRI)

Newborn Health • Neonatal Research • Paediatrics • Clinical Care • Simulation-Based Training • Healthcare Worker Capacity Building • Health Systems Strengthening • Implementation Research • Evidence Generation • Policy Development • Medical Innovation • Neonatal Mortality Reduction