African Twins and Multiple Births Research Found.
African Twins and Multiple Births Research Found.
The African Twins and Multiple Births Research Foundation (ATMBRF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and advocacy to address the unique health, social, and cultural challenges faced by twins and multiple-birth families across Africa.
Africa has some of the highest twinning rates in the world, yet twins and their families often face increased health risks and limited access to specialized support services. ATMBRF was established to help bridge this gap by promoting scientific research, strengthening public awareness, and supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of twins and multiple-birth families throughout the continent.
A key initiative of the foundation is the development of a comprehensive African Twin Registry. This registry aims to collect and analyse data on twins and multiple births across Africa to improve health outcomes, reduce mortality risks, and provide targeted support to families—particularly in regions with high twinning rates. The registry will also generate valuable evidence to inform public health policies, healthcare services, and community-based programs across the continent.
ATMBRF works in partnership with International Council of Multiple Birth Organisations (ICOMBO) and other organizations committed to supporting multiple-birth families worldwide. Through collaboration with International Society for Twin Studies (ISTS), the foundation also aims to advance scientific research and public education in all fields related to twins and twin studies.
These collaborations help promote knowledge sharing, strengthen research capacity, and improve awareness and support systems for twins and their families, while contributing to the global scientific understanding of twinning and multiple births.
Through research, partnerships, and advocacy, ATMBRF is committed to ensuring that twins and multiple-birth families across Africa receive the recognition, care, and support they deserve.

The mission of the African Twins and Multiple Births Research Foundation (ATMBRF) is to advance research, education, and advocacy that improve the health, wellbeing, and social support of twins and multiple-birth families across Africa. Through scientific collaboration, data collection, and community engagement, the foundation works to address the unique challenges associated with twin and multiple births while promoting evidence-based policies and healthcare practices.

Our vision is a future where twins and multiple-birth families across Africa receive equitable healthcare, strong social support, and recognition within research and public policy. We aim to position Africa as a global leader in twin research and knowledge through the development of robust scientific networks and data resources.

We promote rigorous, ethical, and high-quality research to advance knowledge and improve maternal, neonatal, and lifelong health outcomes for twins and multiple-birth individuals and their families.
We value the voices and lived experiences of twins and their families and ensure that research, health initiatives, and programs reflect their needs and priorities.
We advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare, research participation, and support services for all twins and multiple-birth families, particularly in underserved communities.
We work with researchers, healthcare professionals, institutions, and international organizations to strengthen research capacity and improve healthcare systems supporting twins and multiple births.
We promote the exchange of research findings, health information, education, and best practices to improve care and support for twins and multiple births across Africa and globally.
Africa has one of the highest rates of twin and multiple births in the world, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana. Despite this remarkable phenomenon, there remains a significant gap in understanding the genetic, environmental, cultural, and health-related factors associated with multiple births on the continent. Additionally, families with twins and multiples often face unique challenges—ranging from medical complications and maternal health risks to social and economic burdens—that are rarely addressed comprehensively.