About Us
At The Africa Research Collaborative for Health (The ARC 4 Health), we are driven by a singular mission: to build credible knowledge that saves lives and improves livelihoods. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that high-quality research and data should not only inform policies but also translate into meaningful actions that reduce morbidity and mortality, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the highest quality of health data is intentionally disseminated and utilized by key stakeholders—governments, policymakers, and health practitioners—to drive effective interventions. By ensuring data is transformed into actionable strategies, we strive to create a lasting impact on public health and well-being across Africa.
Our Mission
As a dedicated group of African researchers, we generate robust local evidence that informs national policies, health guidelines, and service delivery practices. We work collaboratively with governments and health partners to ensure that our research findings lead to culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. With a long-term, infinite mindset, we manage resources wisely to create an enduring platform that empowers individuals and communities to thrive.
OUR CORE VALUES
Contributors & Innovators:
We do not merely consume resources—we add value to every interaction, striving to advance knowledge and solutions.
Service-Oriented:
Our work is not just about generating knowledge—it is about serving the most underprivileged communities and addressing their needs holistically.
Total Person Concept
We recognize the multifaceted nature of human well-being—body, soul, and spirit—and collaborate to address both direct health concerns and social determinants of health.
Collaboration:
We believe that solving complex health challenges requires strong partnerships with like-minded organizations and stakeholders.
A Higher Calling:
We see our work as a divine mission that transcends personal gains, dedicated to the greater good.
Agents of Change:
We embody humility, hunger for learning, and intelligence in our approach to problem-solving.
- Humble: We recognize that we do not have all the answers and remain open to learning.
- Hungry: We are lifelong learners, committed to growth, resilience, and innovation.
- Smart: We apply critical thinking to improve our understanding and solutions.
TESTIMONIALS AND ENDORSEMENTS
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"PIH has just established a sister microbiology lab in Sierra Leone to support clinical case management and outbreak control. From the very beginning, CHAMPS staff provided the training and expertise within their facilities, and provided the support to get our lab off the ground. Our microbiology lab at PIH would have been impossible without the support and expertise of the CHAMPS team".
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"Our agency partners with CHAMPS to improve child health and reduce mortality by leveraging the high-quality scientific data CHAMPS is generating on childhood illness and death in Sierra Leone. This data is invaluable to our work, as it informs policy, guides decision-making, and enables effective to critical health challenges".
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"CHAMPS equips Sierra Leone’s Child Health Program with credible, laboratory‑confirmed insights into the definitive and underlying causes of under‑five deaths, empowering us to realign policies and plan activities grounded in robust evidence".
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"CHAMPS has significantly improved our services, from launching pregnancy surveillance to renovating our maternity apartment and equipping us with essential tools. Their support has truly transformed healthcare delivery in our community".
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"CHAMPS has been instrumental in strengthening our lab and building the capacity of our technical staff. One of the key contributions has been sending experts to train our staff in specialized techniques like special stains. Thanks for this support, our pathology services now attracts postgraduate residents who previously had to travel for their rotations, saving time and resources while keeping them closer to their families".
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"During my fourteen-month stay in the district, collaboration with the CHAMPS program has been exceptional. Their support, especially through MITS data, gap analysis training, and operational assistance to the District Health Management Team; has been instrumental in advancing maternal and child health efforts."
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"Since my election in 2023, I have closely collaborated with the CHAMPS-SL program through regular coordination meetings focused on addressing child mortality in the district. Their credible data and strong partnership have been instrumental in guiding evidence-based planning and interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes."
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"Having lived in this community for over 25 years and served as headman for more than 15, I can confidently say CHAMPS-SL is the most impactful program I’ve seen in improving child health. By helping us understand and prevent child deaths, and through strong community collaboration, CHAMPS-SL has become a trusted partner in our shared mission to protect our children’s future."
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"I proudly refer to myself as the ‘father of CHAMPS,’ as the project was first introduced in my community by Carrie Jo Cain and has since become a vital force in addressing child health and mortality. Though initial acceptance was challenging, ongoing training and engagement built trust, and today CHAMPS is fully embraced by my community and neighboring villages, making a lasting impact on child health in Sierra Leone".
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"Our partnership with CHAMPS has been truly enlightening, especially as one of the first community members trained as a reporter. Thanks to ongoing education and family feedback sessions, community understanding and participation have grown significantly, and we are deeply grateful for CHAMPS' visible impact in reducing child mortality."
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Data from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program, implemented by The ARC, has been instrumental in early detection of malnutrition in children and enhancing health record systems. Within CHAMPS project sites in Bombali district, northern Sierra Leone, child deaths decreased from 42 in 2021 to 20 in 2022."