AKU Institute for Human Development

07/08/2026

An estimated 50 million children under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries, live with a disability. These children represent 95% of all children under five living with a disability worldwide.

These numbers are high but the actual number is likely even higher since in many countries, including Kenya, many children with developmental disabilities remain undocumented.

Despite these significant numbers, many of these children lack access to the care, support and early learning opportunities they need to thrive. They often grow up in conditions that limit their ability to reach their full potential.

To help address this challenge, the ECD Workforce Hub hosted by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development developed the Disability-Inclusive Early Childhood Development (ECD) Course. The course equips ECD professionals and champions with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive environments where every child regardless of their abilities, have access to quality early childhood education and care.

This week 30 ECD practitioners including county government officials and ECD teachers, from Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, and Isiolo counties in Kenya are undertaking the course. Upon completion they will not only be empowered to promote disability-inclusive ECD but also gain insights to advocate for and implement inclusive ECD policies at various levels of governance.

Learn more about the course: https://ecdworkforcehub.org/disability-inclusive-ecd-course/

30/07/2026

Too many caregivers and families still lack the support they need to help their children thrive in the first years of life. We are working to change that.

Meet Cohort 1 of our 2026/2027 Early Childhood Development (ECD) champions, who have been awarded seed grants to strengthen their initiatives aimed at advancing early childhood development.

At the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development we are proud to support ECD champions, innovators and community members helping children thrive.

Learn more about the grantees: https://ecdworkforcehub.org/category/news-events/

22/07/2026

Millions of people across Africa and beyond face barriers to brain health, including limited access to specialists, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

As we celebrate # WorldBrainDay, we are reminded that equitable access to services that enhance brain health is essential for healthier, more resilient societies.

At the heart of this effort is the need to strengthen local research and expertise. Through our African Leadership in Measuring Brain Health for Children and Adolescents (ALMA) programme, we are training African scientists to strengthen the continent’s neuroscience research capacity and generate evidence that is relevant to the African context.

By investing in African researchers and locally led solutions, we can help ensure that every African child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Learn more about ALMA: https://almaafrica.org/

14/07/2026

Investing in the earliest years of life is one of the most effective ways to promote children's brain development, health, learning, and wellbeing throughout their lives.

To strengthen the capacity of the State Department for Children Services Kenya to support ECD, the Aga Khan University's Institute for Human Development, in partnership with Mizizi Elimu, last week trained 33 officials from the State Department for Children Services and the National Council for Children’s Services on the Science of Early Child Development.

By strengthening the capacity of those who shape child-focused policies and programmes, the training seeks to promote more informed decisions that can improve outcomes for children across Kenya.

Learn more about the Science of Early Child Development: https://ecdworkforcehub.org/courses/science-of-early-child-development/

23/06/2026

17/06/2026

With Africa projected to have one of the world's youngest populations, understanding how the brain develops and how mental health challenges affect individuals across the life course is important now more than ever.

At the recently concluded Institute for Human Development International Conference, experts discussed advances in brain and mental health research. The conversations highlighted locally relevant evidence and innovative solutions to improve brain and mental health outcomes.

We were especially proud to feature contributions from African Leadership in Measuring brain health for children and Adolescents (ALMA) fellows. ALMA is a network that is training the next generation of brain and mental health scientists, supporting research that responds to Africa's unique needs and contexts.

Learn more about ALMA: https://almaafrica.org/



Science for Africa Foundation Wellcome Trust University of Cape Town

13/06/2026

As Day 2 of the Institute for Human Development International Conference came to a close, we celebrated the contributions of researchers whose work is advancing knowledge and helping to improve lives.

During the closing ceremony, we recognised outstanding contributions through the Early Career Researcher Awards for Best Poster Presentation and Best Oral Presentation.

Congratulations to all award recipients and participants whose dedication to research and evidence generation is helping shape solutions for healthier, more equitable, and thriving communities.

11/06/2026

Today, the Institute for Human Development (IHD) International Conference officially commenced, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, development partners, and community leaders from across the globe to advance dialogue on human development.

Over the next two days, more than 300 participants will engage in insightful discussions on early childhood development, education, health, disability inclusion, brain development, data science, and other critical issues shaping the future of human development.

As IHD marks its 10th anniversary, the conference provides an opportunity to reflect on a decade of evidence, innovation, and policy impact while exploring pathways to unlock human potential across the lifespan.

Learn more about the Institute for Human Development: https://www.aku.edu/ihd/Pages/home.aspx

10/06/2026

Climate change affects not only our environment but also has far-reaching consequences for human health.

In today's plenary session on climate change and human health, leading experts shared insights on how sustainability, environmental governance, and collaborative action can help address the health impacts of climate disruption.

The discussion highlighted the need for evidence-based interventions, stronger partnerships, and innovative approaches to build healthier and more climate-resilient communities.

What interventions do you think are most critical for protecting health in the face of climate change?