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Research Papers
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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Research Papers
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
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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
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 Read MoreResearch PapersLeveraging 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
Read MoreResearch PapersStrategic 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 >>>
Read MoreResearch PapersBiomphalaria pfeifferi infected with Schistosoma spp. in Kakamega and Bungoma counties, western Kenya confirms autochthonous transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis
A snail survey conducted in Kakamega and Bungoma counties following high schistosomiasis cases confirmed that transmission is actively occurring locally. Out of 4,245 freshwater snails collected near high-risk school areas, about 79% were Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the key carrier of the disease, and 2.6% were actively releasing infectious parasites. The presence of infected snails in most surveyed sites, particularly in streams and swamps, demonstrates ongoing transmission rather than past exposure. The findings highlight the need to complement mass drug treatment with targeted snail co
Read MoreResearch PapersThe future of diagnostics in Africa
Gaps in access to quality diagnostics in Africa, worsened by declining external funding, require focused investments in integrated testing systems, essential diagnostic lists, modern supply chains, digital health, and epidemic-ready infrastructuretailored to local contexts and supported by strong leadership and sustainable financing to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and advance health security and universal coverage.Read More
Translate »Ebola Outbreak in Africa: Strengthening Africa’s Health Security
Amref’s Ebola Response: Health threats know no borders; explore Amref’s work in building resilient systems that prevent and respond to outbreaks like Ebola.
