Project: “Develop a thriving, collaborative and sustainable research network with the capacity and skills to strengthen evidence-based practice in the region”.
The University of Manchester, UK is leading the delivery of this DFID funded contract in a partnership with six Africa based midwifery organizations in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The goal of this multi-country partnership is to develop a thriving, collaborative and sustainable research network with the capacity and skills to strengthen evidence-based practice, thus improving care for women and babies.
Professor Dame Tina Lavender, Project Lead at the University of Manchester, is responsible for the direction and management of the project and will work in conjunction with an elected Network Chair, Prof. Grace Omoni based in Nairobi, to support the development and operationalising of the project across the six partner organizations.

The project will operate and be delivered through a nominated Country Focal Lead from each partner organisation.

Each Country Focal Lead will be supported in the delivery of local project outputs through a one-on-one mentoring relationship with an allocated UK based Research Mentor as well as having access to administrative support from a Project Coordinator based in a regional office in Nairobi, Kenya.

Project Goal – Improved and increased midwifery research generated in the region to strengthen evidence-based practice.
Project Outcomes:
1.    Country-level research leadership and career goal achievement for 6 focal group leaders.
2.    18 independent midwifery researchers across 6 countries.
3.    120 midwives engaged in promoting evidence-based midwifery practice.
4.    High quality and relevant research production.
Outputs:
1.    Network of 6 skilled focal group leaders.
2.    18 researchers capable of engaging in research.
3.    120 midwives engaged in critical evaluating practice and research.
4.    Effective communication across Africa midwifery research community.