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• Research Papers

  Integration of deworming into primary healthcare in Western Kenya: a quasi-experimental evaluation

  Integrating mass drug administration (MDA) into primary healthcare (PHC) systems can significantly improve child health in endemic regions. In Western Kenya, piloting this approach through community health structures and digital platforms increased deworming coverage from 58.4% to 75%, surpassing control areas. The integrated model reduced non-treatment rates to 5%, compared to 25% in previous campaigns. Health facilities played a central role in raising awareness, maintaining community engagement, and improving routine access. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated PHC

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• Research Papers

  Geospatial approaches for mapping zero-dose prevalence and routine childhood immunisation coverage in low- and lower-middle-income countries: A scoping review

  Zero-dose (ZD) children remain a critical public health concern, especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), where over 80% of the global ZD population lives, mostly among the most marginalised. Geospatial approaches have become effective tools for identifying and targeting immunisation gaps. However, no review has systematically documented the spatial methods used to predict or map ZD prevalence and routine immunisation (RI) coverage. This scoping review addresses this gap across LLMICs.
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• Research Papers

  Contributing factors to continued HIV infection among adolescents and youths aged 15-24 years in Nakuru county, Kenya

  This cross-sectional study among 226 adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years in Nakuru County identified several demographic and behavioural factors associated with HIV testing and ongoing HIV infection risk. Older age, being married, having a history of sexual activity, and knowing a partner’s HIV status were all associated with a higher likelihood of HIV testing. The findings suggest that younger individuals, single youth, and those unaware of their partner’s HIV status may be at greater risk due to lower testing uptake. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to

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• Research Papers, Uncategorized

  Definitions, classification, and epidemiology of sexual dysfunction: A consensus statement from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2024

  This international consensus study brought together experts to review and standardise clinical health definitions used in a specialised area of healthcare. Using evidence reviews, survey findings, and expert consensus, the researchers developed and updated a set of definitions to improve consistency in clinical practice and research. The study identified significant variations in existing terminology and emphasised the importance of clear, evidence-based definitions and standardised frameworks to support healthcare delivery, professional training, and future scientific investigations Read More

• Research Papers

  Effects of violence on adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents living with HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi

  This mixed-methods study among adolescents living with HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi, found high levels of violence exposure, with 76.8% experiencing emotional violence, 53.0% sexual violence, and 30.5% physical violence. Violence was a significant barrier to antiretroviral therapy adherence, with adolescents exposed to emotional or physical violence being substantially less likely to adhere to treatment, while those with no violence exposure were more than three times as likely to achieve optimal adherence. Qualitative findings revealed underreporting of violence and missed screening opportunities

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• Research Papers

  Professional Education in Sexology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Continental Survey.

  This mixed-methods study examined the status of sexology education in 11 Sub-Saharan African countries and found significant gaps in curriculum standardisation, accreditation, and postgraduate training opportunities. Sexual health education remains fragmented across related disciplines, with limited focus on broader issues such as sexual dysfunction, diversity, and psychosexual wellbeing. Key barriers included stigma, religious and political sensitivities, resource constraints, and weak institutional support, while emerging regional initiatives offered promising models for progress. The study

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• Research Papers

  Factors contributing to defaulting on antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in selected health facilities in Maswa District, Tanzania.

  This mixed-methods study in Maswa District, Tanzania, found that nearly one in five people living with HIV (21.9%) defaulted from antiretroviral therapy. Key predictors of default included advanced HIV disease (WHO Stage 4), unsuppressed viral load, clinical instability, and delayed ART initiation. Qualitative findings identified stigma, financial challenges, long travel distances, staffing shortages, and weak patient follow-up systems as major barriers to retention, while social support and integrated healthcare services facilitated continued treatment. The study highlights the need for targe

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• Research Papers

  Factors contributing to unintended pregnancies among teenage girls in the informal settlement of Mukuru kwa Njenga, Nairobi, Kenya

  This mixed-methods study in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Nairobi, found that nearly two-thirds (62.7%) of adolescent girls had experienced unintended pregnancy. Key drivers included limited knowledge and access to contraceptives, lack of discussions about protection, low household income, low parental education, and substance abuse, particularly alcohol use. Qualitative findings further highlighted misinformation, economic vulnerability, and barriers to reproductive health services as contributors to risky sexual behaviour. The study underscores the need for comprehensive reproductive health education,

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