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Research Papers
Leveraging remnant viral load samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence trends among PLHIV in Kenya, February 2021–October 2022: a cross-sectional surveillance survey
From March 2020 to November 2022, Kenya had seven COVID-19 waves with over 339,000 cases and nearly 5,700 deaths. Vaccination started in March 2021, and by October 2022, about a third of the population had at least one dose. Of Kenya's 55 million people, 1.4 million live with HIV and most receive treatment. While people with HIV are not more likely to catch COVID-19, they may face worse outcomes. Data on COVID-19 among this group in Africa is limited, so we tracked antibody trends in Read MoreResearch PapersStrategic Health Purchasing as an Enabler of Health Systems Resilience in Fragile States: Evidence from South Sudan
South Sudan’s health system stands at a crossroads. Despite great need, it faces serious challenges: domestic funding is low, only 2- 5% of the annual budget, while over 65% of health spending comes from donors. Purchasing is fragmented, and weak governance complicates progress. Yet there is a promising way forward. Strategic health purchasing (SHP) can help South Sudan maximise its limited resources, focus spending on national priorities, and build a more resilient, accountable health system.This policy brief draws on a recent study using the SPARC Progress Tr Read MoreResearch PapersLeveraging remnant viral load samples for SARS- CoV- 2 antibody seroprevalence trends among PLHIV in Kenya, February 2021–October 2022: a cross- sectional surveillance survey
A nationwide surveillance study in Kenya assessed SARS‑CoV‑2 antibody prevalence among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART using remnant viral load samples collected between February 2021 and October 2022. Results showed a sharp increase in seroprevalence from 16.1% to 91.7% across four survey rounds, indicating widespread exposure through infection and/or vaccination. Most antibody-positive samples (97%) reflected true prior exposure or vaccination. The findings highlight the extensive reach of COVID-19 among PLHIV and underscore the importance of continued surveillance, vaccination, an
Read MoreResearch PapersStrategic Health Purchasing as an Enabler of Health Systems Resilience in Fragile States: Evidence from South Sudan
This brief calls for strengthening governance, aligning SHP with realistic national priorities, reforming provider payment and contracting mechanisms, bolstering data systems, and mobilising domestic resources to reduce donor dependency even as the country prioritises making progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Read More >>>
Read MoreResearch PapersBiomphalaria pfeifferi infected with Schistosoma spp. in Kakamega and Bungoma counties, western Kenya confirms autochthonous transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis
A snail survey conducted in Kakamega and Bungoma counties following high schistosomiasis cases confirmed that transmission is actively occurring locally. Out of 4,245 freshwater snails collected near high-risk school areas, about 79% were Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the key carrier of the disease, and 2.6% were actively releasing infectious parasites. The presence of infected snails in most surveyed sites, particularly in streams and swamps, demonstrates ongoing transmission rather than past exposure. The findings highlight the need to complement mass drug treatment with targeted snail co
Read MoreResearch PapersThe future of diagnostics in Africa
Gaps in access to quality diagnostics in Africa, worsened by declining external funding, require focused investments in integrated testing systems, essential diagnostic lists, modern supply chains, digital health, and epidemic-ready infrastructuretailored to local contexts and supported by strong leadership and sustainable financing to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and advance health security and universal coverage.Read MoreResearch PapersStrengthening accountability in strategic health purchasing arrangements for primary health care in Uganda
Effective Strategic Health Purchasing (SHP) is pivotal for making progress towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as we implement Primary Health Care (PHC). This qualitative study examined accountability and SHP arrangements and how they influence PHC performance. Using document reviews, 43 key informant interviews, and insights from policy dialogs, the study analyzed accountability practices across financial management, contracting, performance monitoring, health benefit specification, and provider payment mechanisms. Read More
Research PapersFactors associated with the nutritional status of children (6-30 months old) in home-based and centre-based child care centres in Embakasi East, Nairobi, Kenya
Early childhood nutrition is critical for healthy growth, yet this study found that limited caregiver knowledge, poor feeding practices, and inadequate hygiene contribute to malnutrition among children aged 6–30 months in an informal settlement in Nairobi. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design across 26 childcare centres, the study showed that although most caregivers and parents had secondary education, children’s diets were dominated by carbohydrate-rich foods with low intake of animal protein, and many children were fed less frequently than WHO recommendations. Malnutrition rates
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Translate »Ebola Outbreak in Africa: Strengthening Africa’s Health Security
Amref’s Ebola Response: Health threats know no borders; explore Amref’s work in building resilient systems that prevent and respond to outbreaks like Ebola.
