The MERIT research unit "Mother and child in a tropical environment: pathogens, health system and epidemiological transition" is a joint research unit between the Research Institute for Development (IRD) and the University of Paris Cité (UPCité) . It conducts research programs aimed at understanding the phenomena at the origin of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, during the postpartum period and during the first years of life.

UMR MERIT is characterized by a great multidisciplinarity allowing it to address its research questions through complementary paths (epidemiology, biology, biostatistics, anthropology and demography) and has offices in Paris, Accra and Cotonou.