CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN AND CHILD HEALTH
The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) at Aga Khan University is a leading global academic platform dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. Through integrated research, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy, we address critical health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our work is deeply aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on advancing maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health with a particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health.
At CoEWCH, we prioritize holistic and inclusive approaches to women's, child, and adolescent health, recognizing the interconnectedness of maternal well-being, reproductive health, and early childhood development. Our research and interventions span sexual and reproductive health, adolescent well-being, and humanitarian responses, ensuring that gender equity and access to quality healthcare remain at the core of our initiatives. We are also shaping global health policies by serving as a key policy think tank for Aga Khan University (AKU) and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), prioritizing our efforts in South & Central Asia, as well as East Africa and beyond.
Our Focus Areas & Impact
CoEWCH is committed to driving meaningful change in women's, child, and adolescent health through targeted research, innovation, and advocacy. Our priorities include:
- Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Enhancing access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, including family planning, maternal health services, and adolescent reproductive rights.
- Adolescent Health & Well-being: Addressing the physical and mental health challenges faced by adolescents, with a strong emphasis on reproductive health, gender equity, and the prevention of early and forced marriages.
- Maternal and Child Health Resilience: Investigating the effects of climate change on maternal and child health, particularly in vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity, malnutrition, and waterborne diseases.
- Healthcare Access in Humanitarian and Crisis Settings: Developing interventions to protect women, children, and adolescents in fragile and conflict-affected regions, ensuring the continuity of reproductive and maternal health services.
- Digital Health & Innovation: Leveraging AI-driven analytics, telemedicine, and mobile health solutions to improve access to reproductive and maternal healthcare in underserved areas.
- Health Equity & Policy Advocacy: Strengthening policies that address disparities in maternal and reproductive healthcare, ensuring that the most marginalized populations receive high-quality, affordable care.
A Call for Collaboration
Our work spans multiple countries and regions, fostering strategic partnerships to accelerate progress, scale evidence-based interventions, and shape global health policies focused on women, children, and adolescents. We invite researchers, policymakers, donors, and health professionals to collaborate with us in advancing sexual and reproductive health, strengthening maternal and child healthcare systems, and implementing scalable solutions for long-term impact.
Your engagement and support are critical to achieving a future where all women, children, and adolescents have access to the healthcare they deserve. We welcome your ideas on enhancing communication, outreach, and impact—let's work together to drive meaningful change.
