CanChild is proud to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between McMaster University’s CanChild Centre for Childhood-Onset Disability Research and the South Asia Neurodevelopmental Behavioural Environmental Paediatrics Association (SANBEPA), based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
This five-year agreement (2025–2030) will strengthen collaboration in research, education, and community engagement focused on improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families worldwide.
“This partnership connects two organizations deeply committed to transforming the way we understand and support children with disabilities,” said Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Co-Director of CanChild and Professor of Pediatrics at McMaster University. “Together with SANBEPA, we aim to co-create knowledge, share expertise, and inspire innovation across borders.”
Through this new collaboration, CanChild and SANBEPA will:
- Explore joint research projects focused on child development, disability, and environmental factors;
- Share academic and scientific knowledge, including data, publications, and educational resources;
- Facilitate faculty and trainee exchanges, seminars, and workshops;
- Participate in community-based initiatives that promote inclusion and family engagement; and
- Explore international internship and scholarship opportunities for students and early-career researchers.
“This agreement marks a milestone for SANBEPA in building global partnerships that strengthen capacity in child development and disability research,” said Dr. Zafar M. Meenai, Secretary General of SANBEPA. “By working with CanChild, we can better support professionals, families, and communities in South Asia and beyond.”
The MOU was signed by Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo and Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh (Vice-Provost, International Affairs, McMaster University) on behalf of McMaster, and by Dr. Zafar M. Meenai (Secretary General) and Prof. Dr. Ehsan Ullah (President) on behalf of SANBEPA.