Cephas Health Research Initiative (CHRI) Inc is a non-profit health-research organization based in Nigeria, and engaged in public health research, advocacy, and education. CHRI Inc collaborates with institutions, community stakeholders, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to solve diverse and pertinent health-related issues in Africa and beyond through scientific, participatory, and equity-based approaches.
In March 2016, the vision to establish a non-profit health-research organization which will support the ongoing public health efforts towards disease control and prevention in Africa and beyond was born in the mind of a 23-year-old final-year dental student at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. This man’s name was Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi. Between March 2016 to September 2016, Kehinde shared his vision with his friends and colleagues who supported the vision, leading to the naming of this organization as Cephas Health Research Initiative (CHRI) in August 2016.
In September 2016, the process of registration and incorporation of CHRI with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission began, and it was completed on 07 January 2017. From 07 January 2017 till date, CHRI has been an incorporated organization since then. The organization started very small with about 14 active members, and today the organization could boast of numerous (50+) active members, many of whom are active researchers with advanced academic/clinical training in diverse fields in health and social sciences.
Over the past 9 years, CHRI Inc has built a very strong reputation through high quality and interdisciplinary research which involved collaborations with diverse research organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Today, CHRI Inc has its own indexed peer-reviewed research journal (Annals of Public Health Issues) where researchers from Nigeria and overseas have published their works. In total, researchers from CHRI Inc have (co-)authored over 100 research publications on diverse public health topic areas on populations in Africa, Asia, and beyond.
One of the notable and highly cited research works of CHRI Inc include the largest Nigerian multi-centre surveys which determined the prevalence of alcohol use, tobacco use, and head and neck cancer literacy among adolescents in Nigeria. Another notable and very recent achievement of CHRI Inc is the substantive contribution of its researchers in a TeTFund-sponsored National Health Review report for Nigeria.
Overall, the research capacity of CHRI Inc has grown from smaller community-based or academic collaborations toward having a broader influence in health policy, awareness, and interventions. Today, CHRI Inc is proud to be the third leading corporate research organization in Nigeria (according to Nature Index).
Upholding the highest standards of ethics and transparency in research.
Pioneering novel methods and technologies to solve complex health challenges.
Building partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
Promoting inclusive research that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
Delivering high-quality, rigorous, and impactful scientific work.
To be a leading global research organization that shapes the future of public health by fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and driving impactful solutions that enhance the well-being of communities across borders.
Cephas Health Research Initiative Inc. is dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions to pressing global health challenges through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-centered approaches. We aim to generate knowledge that improves health outcomes, strengthens health systems, and informs policies for healthier and more resilient populations worldwide.
To be a leading global research organization that shapes the future of public health by fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and driving impactful solutions that enhance the well-being of communities across borders.
Cephas Health Research Initiative Inc. is dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions to pressing global health challenges through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-centered approaches. We aim to generate knowledge that improves health outcomes, strengthens health systems, and informs policies for healthier and more resilient populations worldwide.
Forge collaborations with universities, research institutes, and public health agencies across Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia.
Partner with WHO, NIH, CDC, and defense health organizations on projects in global health security, infectious disease, and health systems strengthening.
Develop fellowship and training programs for early-career researchers in low- and middle-income countries
Establish research hubs and centers of excellence in priority regions to foster local innovation.
Global health security and pandemic preparedness.
Non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and health equity.
Climate change and health resilience.
Applied digital health research.
Publish high-impact, open-access research.
Host annual international conferences and symposia to share findings and foster cross-border dialogue.
Engage in policy translation to influence evidence-based decision-making globally.
Invest in digital health, AI-driven analytics, and telemedicine solutions adaptable to both civilian and population health settings.
Use virtual platforms to expand global reach and collaboration.
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