We got 419 search results

• Research Papers

  Biomphalaria 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 More
• Research Papers

  The 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 infrastructure
  tailored 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 >>>
  Read More
• Research Papers

  Strengthening accountability in strategic health purchasing arrangements for primary health care in Uganda

  Effective Strategic Health Purchasing (SHP) is pivotal for making progress towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as we implement Primary Health Care (PHC). This qualitative study examined accountability and SHP arrangements and how they influence PHC performance. Using document reviews, 43 key informant interviews, and insights from policy dialogs, the study analyzed accountability practices across financial management, contracting, performance monitoring, health benefit specification, and provider payment mechanisms. Read More

• Research Papers

  Factors associated with the nutritional status of children (6-30 months old) in home-based and centre-based child care centres in Embakasi East, Nairobi, Kenya

  Early childhood nutrition is critical for healthy growth, yet this study found that limited caregiver knowledge, poor feeding practices, and inadequate hygiene contribute to malnutrition among children aged 6–30 months in an informal settlement in Nairobi. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design across 26 childcare centres, the study showed that although most caregivers and parents had secondary education, children’s diets were dominated by carbohydrate-rich foods with low intake of animal protein, and many children were fed less frequently than WHO recommendations. Malnutrition rates

  Read More
• Research Papers

  Sociodemographic determinants of fathers’ acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine of adolescent girls in Kesses (rural) and Kapseret (urban), Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

  This study examined socio-demographic factors influencing fathers’ acceptance of HPV vaccination for their adolescent daughters in Kenya, where paternal consent is essential but understudied. Using questionnaires from 375 fathers and qualitative interviews with fathers and community health workers, the study found low vaccine uptake, with only 36.8% of daughters vaccinated. Logistic regression showed that fathers’ employment status and geographical location significantly predicted acceptance. Despite most fathers being educated and married, vaccine uptake remained low, highlighting the nee

  Read More
• Research Papers

  Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and reported self-esteem among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

  This cross-sectional study assessed the mental health of 246 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), revealing high prevalence rates of psychological distress. Using the DASS‑21 and Rosenberg Self‑Esteem Scale, the study found that 84.1% of mothers experienced depression, 77.2% anxiety, 74% stress, and 67.9% low self-esteem, with mean scores indicating moderate severity across all conditions. These findings highlight the substantial emotional burden faced by mothers raising children with ASD and underscore the need for mental health support to be integrated into rehabilita

  Read More
• Research Papers

  Aging Alone in the City: Systemic Exclusion, Social Isolation, and Loneliness among Older Refugees in Nairobi, Kenya

  This study explored the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of older refugees experiencing protracted urban displacement in Nairobi, Kenya, drawing on focus group discussions with 53 refugees from the DRC, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. Using a framework analysis, the study found that systemic exclusion—driven by policy gaps such as delays in implementing Kenya’s 2021 Refugees Act—created forced dependency and significant distress. Displacement disrupted social networks, leading to profound social isolation, while participants described loneliness as an emotional expression of

  Read More
• Research Papers

  Association between self-care practices and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Douala, Cameroon: A mixed-methods study

  This mixed‑methods cross-sectional study assessed how self‑care practices relate to glycemic control among 230 adults with type 2 diabetes attending two hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. Only 21.3% achieved good glycemic control, while most had poor control. Logistic regression showed that better dietary practices and adequate foot care were significantly associated with improved glycemic outcomes, findings that were supported by qualitative data highlighting barriers such as high food costs, limited healthy food availability, and expensive monitoring supplies. Overall, the study underscores

  Read More