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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

• 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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  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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  “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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  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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  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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  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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