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Research Papers
Hypertension and Associated Inflammatory Markers Among HIV-Infected Patients in Tanzania
This study examined the link between chronic inflammation and hypertension (HTN) among HIV-positive individuals in Tanzania, where HIV prevalence is high but data on this association are limited. Analyzing data from 261 patients, researchers found a 43% HTN prevalence, especially among women and those over 55. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly associated with higher odds of HTN, even after adjusting for age, sex, and alcohol use. While other inflammatory markers showed positive but non-significant associations, the findings highlight the need for targeted HTN screenin
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Research Papers
“Slash and Clear”, a Community-Based Vector Control Method to Reduce Onchocerciasis Transmission by Simulium sirbanum in Maridi, South Sudan: A Prospective Study
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based vector control method, “slash and clear,” in reducing black fly populations and Onchocerca volvulus transmission in Maridi County, South Sudan. Conducted at the Maridi dam, a breeding site for Simulium damnosum s.l., the intervention significantly reduced black fly biting rates by over 90% for more than six months and maintained a reduction of under 50% after twelve months. Parity rates also dropped from 13% to 5.6%. The black flies were identified as Simulium sirbanum. These findings suggest that when combine
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Research Papers
Fintechs’ Future in Kenya: Does Social Influence Matter?
This study explores how social influence affects the continued use of Fintech mobile money lending apps in Kenya. Analyzing data from 342 users through structural equation modeling, it finds that social influence significantly impacts perceived security, satisfaction, and ongoing usage. It also enhances the positive effects of perceived security and usefulness on satisfaction and continued use. Ultimately, users are likely to keep using these apps if they find them secure, useful, and satisfying. Read Mor
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Research Papers
Institutionalizing Leadership Management and Governance for Health System Strengthening in Emerging Economies: Evidence from the Partnership for Health System Strengthening in Africa (PHSSA)Programme
Health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa face challenges in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), largely due to weak governance and leadership. This study, using evidence from the PHSSA programme, finds that effective health governance is context-specific and recommends strengthening leadership through competency-based recruitment, supportive structures, ethical development, financial investment, and institutionalized training to enhance participatory and sustainable health system governance. Read More >>>
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Research Papers
Are Mentorship and Training the Key in Provision of Emergency Obstetric and New-Born Care (EmONC) Services? A Formative Evaluation of Pre and Post in Samburu County, Kenya
This study assessed the impact of mentorship and training on improving the delivery of Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC and CeMONC) services in Samburu County, Kenya, where maternal and stillbirth rates remain high. A one-week training for health workers across 29 facilities was followed by mentorship, supervision, and monthly meetings. Post-intervention results showed significant improvements in clinical practices, including increased use of partographs (from 52% to 98.1%), better management of newborn infections, and enhanced capacity to perform cesarean s
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Research Papers
Interventions to improve early retention of patients in antiretroviral therapy programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
This study systematically reviewed evidence on interventions aimed at improving early retention (within six months) in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs across 11 Sub-Saharan African countries. Out of 2,241 articles screened, 19 met the inclusion criteria, with most being randomized controlled trials or cohort studies. Interventions were grouped into health system strategies (e.g., Universal Test-and-Treat, service integration, cost reduction), patient-centered approaches (e.g., fast-track ART initiation, Differentiated Drug Delivery models), and behavioral support (e.g., mentor mothers, l
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Research Papers
Direct financial assistance for improved maternal and child health data: a pilot study supporting the health management information system in Malawi
This pilot study in Malawi explored whether direct financial support to district-level Health Management Information System (HMIS) offices could improve the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) data. Implemented in Mwanza district, the intervention allowed HMIS staff to plan and prioritize activities based on local needs. Compared to three control districts, Mwanza showed notable improvements in data availability, completeness, and consistency over a 10-month period. Interviews confirmed the intervention was well received, with staff favoring the autonomy it provided. The findings sugges
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Research Papers
Implementation of community case management of malaria in malaria endemic counties of western Kenya: are community health volunteers up to the task in diagnosing malaria?
This study evaluated the effectiveness of community health volunteers (CHVs) in diagnosing malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) under Kenya’s Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) strategy. Conducted in four malaria-endemic counties with a 27% prevalence rate, the study compared 200 RDT results from CHVs with those from experienced medical laboratory technicians (MLTs), using microscopy as a reference. The findings showed a high level of agreement (kappa score of 0.89) between CHVs and MLTs, with CHVs achieving 95% sensitivity and 94% specificity. These results affirm that CHVs
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