UNICEF, FG launch Nigeria's first behavioral lab to improve child Survival

 

By Sola Charles

 In a move to combat child mortality and improve child development outcomes, UNICEF, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and 19 leading universities have launched the Behavioural Insights Research and Design Lab (BIRDLab). The groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the country, aims to apply the principles of behavioral science directly to public health challenges, ensuring solutions are both effective and culturally relevant.

BIRDLab is designed to be a hub for evidence-based interventions. It will produce practical research findings on key issues, such as routine immunization, nutrition services, and school enrollment. By understanding the "why" behind people's decisions, the lab will create simple tools and policy notes that government agencies can use to scale up programmes and address real barriers at the community level.

The initiative builds on a successful existing partnership, the Network for Behavioural Research on Child Survival in Nigeria. BIRDLab will now formalize this collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse fields including Community Medicine, Communication Studies, and Clinical Psychology.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said the partnership will make programmes more effective and respectful of local contexts. "If we study what shapes decisions on vaccination, feeding practices, or school enrolment, we can work with communities to fix the real barriers," Saeed said. "This partnership... will help more children get vaccinated, eat better, and learn."

The lab will also play a crucial role in building local capacity. It will offer short courses, mentoring, and practical field experience for government officials, embedding a behavioral science approach directly into the planning, budgeting, and delivery of health and social programs. This ensures that solutions are not just effective but also Nigerian-led and sustainable.

While BIRDLab will primarily operate online, it will also have a dedicated physical space at the University of Lagos, providing a central location for researchers and practitioners to collaborate. Graduate students will undertake studies aligned with UNICEF's programme priorities, conducting trials, observational work, and long-term follow-ups.

This strategic partnership is a clear sign that Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in leveraging behavioral science to solve complex health challenges. It also strengthens South-South cooperation, using local expertise to guide national policies and improve the lives of children and families across the country. By understanding and addressing the human behaviors that drive health outcomes, BIRDLab has the potential to redefine the future of child survival and development in Nigeria and beyond.