UNICEF Launches Nigeria’s First Behavioural Research Lab to Improve Child Survival and Development

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has inaugurated the country’s first Behavioural Insights Research and Design Laboratory (BIRD-Lab) at the University of Lagos.

This groundbreaking facility aims to strengthen research on social and behavioural drivers of child survival and development, making it a hub for innovative behavioural research in Nigeria.

The BIRD-Lab brings together experts from various fields, including psychology, sociology, nutrition, and communication, to develop effective solutions for children’s health and development.

The lab focuses on co-creating culturally relevant approaches that belong to Nigeria, rather than importing external solutions.

The laboratory generates evidence-based solutions to address health, education, and social challenges by understanding and influencing behaviour.

It is a collaborative effort between UNICEF, the University of Lagos, and 19 other Nigerian universities, ensuring a strong partnership and nationwide impact.

The BIRD-Lab aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality, improve child survival, and enhance immunization coverage.

The lab’s findings will guide policy and reform, ensuring that interventions are effective and sustainable. The laboratory serves as a model for replication across Nigeria, with the potential to address challenges in health, education, and sanitation.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, emphasized that the BIRD-Lab unites experts from various disciplines to develop effective solutions for children.

“Everything UNICEF does begins and ends with children. This is why BIRD-Lab Nigeria unites experts from psychology, sociology, nutrition, communication, and other disciplines,” she said.

UNICEF’s Chief of Social Behaviour Change, Kshitij Joshi, highlighted the platform’s potential to address diverse challenges.

“The platform brings together diverse expertise to address challenges from health to education and sanitation,” he emphasized.

The launch of the BIRD-Lab marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve child survival and development.

With its innovative approach and collaborative framework, the laboratory is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s health and education sectors.