Objective

The objective of the cross-cutting theme is to reduce the burden of preventable maternal and newborn deaths and illnesses in The Gambia and the sub region. Despite improvements in maternal and newborn health indicators over the last few decades, mortality rates are high, and the country remains among the many in sub-Saharan Africa that are not on track to meet the maternal and newborn health SDG targets. 

Cross-cutting and innovative research 

The maternal and newborn health (MNH) research conducted at MRCG at LSHTM covers all three research themes within the Unit. This research relies on interdisciplinary collaboration, utilising the collective expertise of researchers from different approaches to advance knowledge in various domains. These include systems biology and immunology, observational and exploratory studies, large-scale clinical trials, implementation science, and health systems research.

The integration of diverse perspectives, methodologies, and approaches facilitates a comprehensive view across the continuum of care, extending from pregnancy and childbirth to the early days of infancy, with ongoing follow-up into the early years of life. This inclusive approach enriches our understanding of maternal and newborn health and strengthens our capacity and resources, supported by robust local and international partnerships. 

Current research  

Our current research portfolio encompasses a wide range of areas within MNH, including:

• Maternal and newborn and vaccine trials and immunological studies
• Efforts to reduce maternal and newborn infection morbidity and mortality.
• Examination of the impact of climate change on maternal health, pregnancy, and newborn outcomes
• Studies focusing on maternal and newborn outcomes following healthy and complicated pregnancies.
• Surveillance of vaccine safety during pregnancy
• Implementation and management of an Electronic Pregnancy Registry

Furthermore, we are expanding our research scope to incorporate other national and regional priority areas within MNH, aligning our efforts with the evolving needs and challenges in this critical field.

Publications

In collaboration with the Gambian Ministry of Health, the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine held a National Stakeholders Workshop on setting research priorities for Maternal and Newborn Health in The Gambia in Cape Point, Bakau, The Gambia from 24 – 25 October 2023 with a diverse group of stakeholders involved with MNH in The Gambia. The outputs from the workshop were put into a report entitled ‘Maternal and Newborn Health Research in The Gambia’ (pdf). The report presents a priority list of maternal and neonatal health research questions for future research initiatives to improve MNH outcomes in The Gambia. These actionable priorities, requiring urgent attention and action, aim to guide policymakers, healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, and stakeholders towards improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and reducing mortality rates nationwide, underlining the immediate steps to be taken.