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CHAMPS Network Marks 10 Years of Impact: Advancing Knowledge, Saving Lives
The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network commemorated its 10th anniversary with a landmark gathering held in Nairobi, Kenya, from April 27 to May 1, 2025. Convened under the theme “Celebrating 10 Years of CHAMPS: Advancing Knowledge and Saving Lives,” the event brought together CHAMPS scientists from 9 sites across Africa and Southeast Asia, Program Office staff, public health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and health practitioners to reflect on CHAMPS’ achievements and chart a bold vision for the years ahead.
Over the past decade, CHAMPS has fundamentally reshaped the global understanding of what causes stillbirths and under-five child mortality using innovative diagnostics, minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), and rigorous surveillance methods. Its pioneering data collection and evidence dissemination have transformed child health policies, research, and practices across Africa and South Asia.
Reflecting on a Decade of Scientific Excellence
The meeting featured keynote addresses from national and international health leaders. In his remarks, Prof. Elijah Songok, Acting Director General of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), lauded CHAMPS for its pioneering work:
“CHAMPS has brought science closer to decision-making and policy design, helping us understand what children are dying from and why. This precision health data is not just timely—it is lifesaving.” Prof. Songok also praised CHAMPS for advancing research capacity and data-sharing culture in Africa, noting: “The CHAMPS platform is a living laboratory of innovation, building African leadership in child health surveillance and creating communities of practice that can serve as models for the world.”
Planning for the Future: Years 11–15
Participants engaged in robust discussions on CHAMPS’ strategic objectives for the next five years. Key priorities include: Deepening scientific inquiry to better understand the root causes of stillbirths and child deaths, building on key findings from CHAMPS, promoting greater standardization of protocols across sites, strengthening collaboration among global and local partners, and enhancing operational efficiencies to improve program delivery. Aligning network-wide milestones with country-level health priorities.
Government Commitment to Child Survival
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health at the Kenya Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of translating CHAMPS evidence into policy and action:
“Data without action is a missed opportunity. CHAMPS gives us the evidence we need to allocate resources more effectively, prioritize interventions, and ensure that our policies are informed by what truly affects child survival.” He also highlighted Kenya’s strong commitment to the CHAMPS platform: “We in the Ministry are proud to be part of this journey. Kenya’s investment in CHAMPS is an investment in our children, our future, and the promise that no child should die from a preventable cause.”
Dr. Cynthia Whitney, Executive Director of the CHAMPS Program Office at Emory University, emphasized the importance of sustained collective effort:
“CHAMPS is more than a surveillance platform—it is a community of passionate scientists, health workers, and partners working to make every child count. Our commitment to reducing under-five mortality remains as strong today as it was at inception.”
Strengthening the Power of Partnership
With representation from Ministries of Health, KEMRI, Africa CDC, the Gates Foundation, Hasso Plattner Institute, WHO, and various academic institutions, the meeting reaffirmed CHAMPS’ commitment to global partnership and local ownership. As the CHAMPS Network looks ahead to its second decade, the 2025 Nairobi gathering stands as a testament to what can be achieved when evidence drives action and partnerships power progress.