# Centre for Healthy Start Initiative

> research organization in Lagos, Nigeria, with aims to advance the health and well-being of children with or at risk of avoidable developmental disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa for optimal early childhood development

**Wikidata**: [Q30296111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30296111)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-for-healthy-start-initiative

## Summary
The Centre for Healthy Start Initiative (HSI-Centre) is a non-governmental research organization and medical institute located in Lagos, Nigeria. Dedicated to optimal early childhood development, the organization focuses on advancing the health and well-being of children with or at risk of avoidable developmental disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

## Key Facts
- **Formal Name:** Centre for Healthy Start Initiative
- **Short Name/Acronyms:** HSI-Centre, HSI, HSI Centre
- **Location:** 286A Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria (Coordinates: 6.4613245, 3.4182506)
- **Founded:** Formally established in March 2011; based on research work conducted since 1993.
- **Founder:** Dr. Bolajoko Olusanya
- **Chairperson:** Bolajoko O. Olusanya (since November 2011)
- **Organization Type:** Research Institute, Medical Organization, Non-governmental organization (NGO)
- **Affiliation:** United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) — Special Consultative Status
- **Identifiers:**
  - ISNI: 0000000476916680
  - ROR ID: 017ky5708
  - GRID ID: grid.452302.2
- **Website:** http://www.hsicentre.org/

## FAQs
### When was the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative founded?
The organization was formally established in March 2011, though it originated from extensive research work on childhood disability in Nigeria led by its founder, Dr. Bolajoko Olusanya, dating back to 1993.

### What is the primary mission of the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative?
The centre aims to advance the health and well-being of children in Sub-Saharan Africa who have or are at risk of avoidable developmental disabilities, with a broader goal of ensuring optimal early childhood development.

### What is the organization's relationship with the United Nations?
The Centre for Healthy Start Initiative holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

### Where is the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative located?
Its headquarters are located at 286A Corporation Drive in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

## Why It Matters
The Centre for Healthy Start Initiative serves as a critical engine for discovery and intervention in the field of child health within Sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing specifically on "avoidable" developmental disabilities, the organization targets preventable conditions that often go unaddressed in resource-limited settings. As a dedicated research institute, it differs from standard medical facilities by prioritizing the generation of new knowledge and systematic investigation into childhood disabilities rather than just clinical treatment.

Its work addresses a vital gap in the region's healthcare infrastructure, moving beyond immediate care to tackle the root causes and risk factors associated with developmental delays. Furthermore, its Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) indicates that its research and policy recommendations have achieved international recognition, allowing the organization to influence global standards and advocacy efforts regarding early childhood development.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Focus:** Distinctly dedicated to children with or at risk of *avoidable* developmental disabilities, a niche often overlooked in broader healthcare initiatives.
- **UN Recognition:** Holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC, distinguishing it as a recognized actor in international social and economic policy.
- **Hybrid Classification:** Operating simultaneously as a medical organization, a research institute, and a non-governmental organization.
- **Regional Impact:** Specifically targets health challenges within Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing a region with high needs for early childhood development interventions.

## Body

### Mission and Scope
The Centre for Healthy Start Initiative (HSI-Centre) operates as a research institute and medical organization headquartered in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. Its core objective is to promote optimal early childhood development throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. The organization specifically targets the health and well-being of children who are either living with developmental disabilities or are at risk of developing them, with a particular emphasis on conditions that are avoidable.

### History and Foundation
The establishment of the HSI-Centre is the result of long-term academic and practical work in the field. While the organization was formally established in March 2011, its origins trace back to 1993. The initiative stems from extensive research on childhood disability in Nigeria conducted by its Principal Promoter and founder, Dr. Bolajoko Olusanya. Dr. Olusanya continues to lead the organization's strategic direction as the Chairperson, a position she has held since November 2011.

### Location and Facilities
The institute is physically situated in the Dolphin Estate area of Ikoyi, Lagos. Its precise address is 286A Corporation Drive. Geographically, the headquarters is located at latitude 6.4613245 and longitude 3.4182506.

### Organizational Status and Affiliations
HSI-Centre is classified as a non-governmental organization (NGO) and functions as a specialized research institute. A significant marker of its standing in the global community is its relationship with the United Nations. The organization has been granted "Special Consultative Status" with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This status allows the HSI-Centre to participate in UN deliberations and offer expertise on issues related to child health and disability.

### Research Interests
The institute's primary fields of interest include:
- **Developmental Disability:** Investigating the causes, prevention, and management of disabilities affecting development.
- **Child Development:** Researching broader factors that influence the physical and mental growth of children in the region.

### Identifiers and Data
In academic and global databases, the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative is indexed under several identifiers to facilitate data linking and research attribution:
- **GRID (Global Research Identifier Database):** grid.452302.2
- **ROR (Research Organization Registry):** 017ky5708
- **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier):** 0000000476916680

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
2. [Source](http://www.hsicentre.org/who-we-are/)
3. [Source](https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-019-0198-9)
4. ROR release v1.19