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Research Papers
Water, sanitation and hygiene coverage and practices of a semi-arid county in the Eastern region of Kenya
This study assessed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions in two subcounties of Kitui County, Kenya, revealing significant challenges. Despite national progress, 39.9% of households rely on rivers for water, with over half walking more than 2 km to access it. Only 11.9% of water sources are available year-round, and many households use just 13.3 liters per person daily, often at a high cost. Latrine coverage is 56.4%, while open defecation persists at 8.5%. The findings highlight the urgent need to scale up WASH interventions to meet national standards and improve health and living
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Research Papers
Reducing COVID-19 mortality in Senegal through community case management.
Senegal, like many countries, is grappling with a second wave of COVID-19, straining its already limited health workforce. To address this, the country is considering Community Case Management (CCM) as a strategic response. CCM involves early detection and home-based care of COVID-19 cases by trained community health workers. This approach can help prevent severe illness, reduce hospital admissions and deaths, and ease the burden on health facilities. By leveraging local health resources and empowering communities, CCM offers a practical and scalable solution to strengthen pandemic response ef
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Research Papers
The impact of community led alternative rite of passage on eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting in Kajiado County, Kenya:A quasi-experimental study.
This study evaluated the impact of Amref Health Africa’s community-led alternative rite of passage (CLARP) model in reducing harmful practices among the Maasai in Kajiado County, Kenya. Using mixed methods and comparative analysis with control counties, CLARP was found to significantly reduce FGM/C by 24.2%, child marriages by 4.9%, and teenage pregnancies by 6.3%, while increasing girls’ schooling by 2.5 years. Community stakeholders reported positive perceptions of CLARP, citing improved education and reduced early marriages. The model is now being replicated in Tanzania, with recommenda
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Research Papers
High Prevalence of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis-Endemic Area in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door-To-Door Survey
A 2020 household survey in Mvolo County, South Sudan, revealed a high burden of epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic area. Among 15,699 individuals, 5.1% were suspected of having epilepsy, with 98.1% of those confirmed. The epilepsy prevalence was 50.8 per 1,000, and nodding syndrome prevalence was 22.4 per 1,000. Risk factors included younger age, male gender, skin itching, blindness, and proximity to the Naam River. Ov16 seropositivity among children and low ivermectin uptake indicated ongoing transmission of Onchocerca volvulus. The study calls for urgent strengthening of onchoce
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Research Papers
Legitimacy Status and Capacity to conduct Social Accountability among Community Based Organizations in Kenya. A Survey of Health Civil Society Organizations in Siaya County
This study examined how legitimacy status influences the capacity of health-related Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Siaya County, Kenya, to conduct social accountability. Following devolution, CSOs have faced increased expectations to hold county governments accountable, especially in the health sector. The study found that the legitimacy of CSOs significantly enhances their ability to conduct social accountability. Strengthening legitimacy through proper registration, inclusive governance, and community participation is key to improving their effectiveness. Read More
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Research Papers
The Effect of Women’s Empowerment in the Utilization of Family Planning in Western Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
This study investigated how women’s empowerment influences family planning use among 746 married women in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. Using structural equation modeling, it found that 72% of participants had used family planning. Key factors associated with use included younger age, access to information and health facilities, awareness of family planning methods, rural residence, older partners, and greater household decision-making power. The findings underscore that women’s empowerment—particularly autonomy in decision-making—is a critical determinant of contraceptive use. The stu
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Research Papers
Intersections between climate change and female genital mutilation among the Maasai of Kajiado County, Kenya
This study explored how climate change affects gender norms and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among the Maasai in Kajiado County, Kenya. Findings show that climate-induced poverty has deepened gender inequalities, leading to increased FGM and child marriages as survival strategies. The study highlights the need for intersectional, context-sensitive approaches to FGM interventions that consider social, economic, and environmental factors. Read More
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Research Papers
Determinants of quality in home-based management of malaria by community health volunteers in rural Kenya
This study assessed factors influencing the quality of community case management of malaria (CCMM) by community health volunteers (CHVs) in Bungoma County, Kenya. Among 147 CHVs observed and interviewed, 62% provided quality services, defined as scoring ≥75%. Key determinants of quality included consistent supplies of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), as well as recent supervisory support. CHVs with regular supervision were four times more likely to perform well, and those with reliable AL and RDT supplies performed three times better. The study undersco
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