Experts Call for Increased Investment in Research and Innovation to Improve Child Development Outcomes
Experts Call for Increased Investment in Research and Innovation to Improve Child Development Outcomes
By Stella Ranji
Nairobi, Kenya – June 9, 2026 — Leading researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, and development partners have called for increased investment in research, innovation, and evidence-based policy solutions to improve health and development outcomes among children, particularly during the critical early years of life.
The call was made during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Aga Khan University's Institute for Human Development (IHD), marked by an international conference themed "Unlocking Human Potential for Optimal Development Across the Lifespan: A Decade of Evidence, Innovation, and Policy Impact," held in Nairobi from June 8–10, 2026.
Participants noted that while significant progress has been made in improving child survival and well-being over recent decades, substantial gaps remain in ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full developmental potential. They emphasized that the first years of life are crucial for healthy human development, as rapid brain growth during this period lays the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 18 percent of children under the age of five are stunted, an indicator of chronic undernutrition. Only 31 percent of children aged 6–23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet, while just 37 percent meet the minimum dietary diversity requirements. Experts said these statistics highlight persistent challenges in ensuring adequate nutrition during the critical early years of life.
Research conducted in Nairobi's informal settlements has also revealed significant challenges facing caregivers. Studies by the Institute for Human Development found that poverty, food insecurity, limited caregiver availability, and constrained living spaces often reduce opportunities for children's play, stimulation, and early learning. Gaps in home-based learning activities such as reading and storytelling were also identified, alongside the growing impact of caregiver stress and mental health challenges.
Experts noted that these issues are compounded by under-resourced health, nutrition, education, and social protection systems. Without targeted investments, they warned, such barriers will continue to limit children's opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.
Speaking during the conference, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation in Kenya's State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, underscored the importance of investing in science and research to drive sustainable development.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Yet for many children and adolescents, circumstances beyond their control prevent them from reaching their full potential. Investments in research allow us to identify effective interventions, understand local realities, and generate the evidence needed to improve child health and development outcomes," he said.
Prof. Tania Bubela, Provost of Aga Khan University, highlighted the importance of investing in brain health research during early childhood, a period when developmental foundations are established.
"At IHD, through the African Leadership in Measuring Brain Health in Children and Adolescents (ALMA) consortium, we are training African brain health researchers so that solutions for African children are informed by African evidence," she said.
Participants further stressed that sustained investment in research, innovation, and evidence-based programming is essential to strengthen systems that support families, expand access to quality childcare and early learning services, promote responsive caregiving, improve child nutrition, and facilitate the early identification and support of children with developmental delays and disabilities.
The conference, supported by the Hilton Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Science for Africa Foundation, Wellcome, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, brought together stakeholders from academia, government, civil society, philanthropy, and multilateral agencies to review the latest evidence and identify practical solutions to strengthen human development systems across Africa.
"Real progress happens when researchers, policymakers, practitioners, communities, and funders work together around a shared goal. What has been most encouraging about this conference is seeing people from different disciplines and backgrounds come together to exchange ideas and build partnerships that can drive lasting change," said Prof. Amina Abubakar, Director of the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development.
As the conference concluded, participants reiterated that investing in research and innovation is not only critical for improving child development outcomes but also for building healthier, more productive societies and unlocking human potential across the lifespan.
