Research priorities in maternal and neonatal health in Africa: results using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method involving over 900 experts across the continent

Background:Africa will miss the maternal and neonatal health (MNH) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets if current trajectory is followed. The African Academy of Sciences has formed an expert newborn group to discuss actions improve MNH SDG targets. team, among other recommendations, chose implement research prioritization exercise for Africa covering four grand challenge areas.Methods: The team used Child Health Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method identify priorities in Africa. From 609 options, a ranking top 46 questions was achieved. priority scores agreement statistics were calculated, with sub-analysis possible regions East Africa, West those living out continent. Results:The generally fell into (i) improving identification high-risk mothers newborns, or diagnosis conditions newborns outcomes; (ii) access treatment through incentives attract retain skilled workers remote, rural areas, emergency transport, assessing systems' readiness; (iii) uptake proven existing interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care.Conclusions:The emphasized building that improved quality healthcare lowest units provision interventions. lists prioritized participation communities delivering burden disease from MNCH aligns well list listed this but provides extra insights needs by practitioners.The believes recommendations work should be implemented multisectoral teams soon provide adequate lead time results succeeding programmes seen before 2030.