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• Research Papers

  Process evaluation of enhanced community health system activities to improve detection and management of acute malnutrition in Samburu County, Kenya

  This qualitative process evaluation examined the implementation of an enhanced community health systems programme for acute malnutrition management in Samburu County, Kenya. Findings showed that training, mentorship, improved reporting tools, and savings and loan associations strengthened the knowledge, confidence, motivation, and economic resilience of community health workers, improving case detection, treatment, and follow-up. However, programme implementation continued to face challenges including transport and logistical constraints, commodity stockouts, limited digital infrastructure, wo

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• Research Papers

  Influence of age and sex on length of stay among COVID-19 patients at Kenyatta National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit, Kenya

  This retrospective cohort study of 558 COVID-19 patients admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital’s Infectious Disease Unit during the first pandemic wave found a median hospital stay of 7.5 days. While older age was associated with higher mortality, neither age nor sex independently predicted prolonged hospitalisation after adjustment for other factors. Male patients showed a non-significant tendency towards longer stays. The findings suggest that hospital surge planning and resource allocation should focus on clinical severity, oxygen and critical care requirements, referral patterns, and di

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  SARS-CoV-2 antibody response among people living with HIV: Insights from a serological study in Kenya

  This secondary analysis of a cross-sectional serological survey among 4,031 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Kenya found that full COVID-19 vaccination and viral suppression were strongly associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses. Individuals who were fully vaccinated were over three times more likely to have detectable antibodies, while those with suppressed viral loads showed stronger immune responses than those who were unsuppressed. Conversely, older age and being on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more than 10 years were associated with reduced antibody levels. The findings h

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  Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and associated risk factors among young adults in Mathare slums, Nairobi County, Kenya

  This cross-sectional study among 404 young adults (18–29 years) in Mathare slums, Nairobi, found high levels of mental health challenges, with anxiety affecting 43.1% of participants and depression and stress each affecting 32.2%. Mental health outcomes were significantly associated with gender, employment status, income, and COVID-19-related income changes, while age was additionally linked to anxiety. Lower income and female gender increased the likelihood of depression and stress, whereas stable income during the pandemic was protective. The findings highlight an urgent need for targeted

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• Research Papers

  Midwives’ competence and confidence in Kenya: A sequential explanatory study design

  This mixed-methods study examined midwives’ competence and confidence in Kenya and found that direct-entry diploma midwives and those working in tertiary hospitals reported higher competency, particularly in labour and childbirth care. Key factors influencing competency included quality of training, mentorship, clinical supervision, continuous professional development, and a supportive work environment. The study recommends strengthening midwifery education, supervision, and ongoing skills development to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes Read More

• 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

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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

  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

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  Strategic 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 >>>

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