An assessment of priority setting process and its implication on availability of emergency obstetric care services in Malindi district, Kenya
Introduction: In spite of the critical role of Emergency Obstetric Care in treating complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth, very few facilities are equipped in Kenya to offer this service. In Malindi, availability of EmOC services does not meet the UN recommended levels of at least one comprehensive and four basic EmOC facilities per 500,000 […]
Evaluation of the impact of the voucher and accreditation approach on improving reproductive behaviors and status in Cambodia
Background: Cost of delivering reproductive health services to low income populations will always require total or partial subsidization by government and/or development partners. Broadly termed “demand-side financing” or “output-based aid”, these strategies include a range of interventions that channel government or donor subsidies to the user rather than the service provider. Initial pilot assessments of […]
Socioeconomic characteristics associated with the introduction of new vaccines and full childhood vaccination in Ghana, 2014
Background: Childhood vaccination in Ghana has historically been high, but the impact of recently introduced vaccines on coverage is unknown. We calculate vaccine coverage of Ghanaian children– contrasting newly introduced vaccines and those long available – and describe associations between sociodemographic indicators and full vaccination. Methods: Data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey […]
Delays in healthcare delivery to sick neonates in Enugu South-East Nigeria: An analysis of causes and effects
Background In most parts of the world, neonatal mortality rates have shown a slower decline when compared with under-5 mortality decline. A sick newborn can die within minutes if there is a delay in presentation, thus early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the survival of a critically ill newborn. This study investigated factors responsible […]
Quantity and species of fish consumed shape breast-milk fatty acid concentrations around Lake Victoria, Kenya
Objective Long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) found in breast milk are derived from dietary sources and critical for optimal infant development. We examined associations between fish consumption and concentrations of LCPUFA and essential n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in breast milk among mothers living around Lake Victoria. Design We used cross-sectional analyses of associations between recent fish […]
Behavior and psychological functioning of young children of HIV-positive mothers in South Africa
Adults with HIV are living longer due to earlier diagnosis and increased access to antiretroviral medications. Therefore, fewer young children are being orphaned and instead, are being cared for by parents who know they are HIV positive, although they may be asymptomatic. Presently, it is unclear whether the psychological functioning of these young children is […]
Examining the impact of WHO’s Focused Antenatal Care policy on early access, underutilisation and quality of antenatal care services in Malawi: A retrospective study
Background: A variety of antenatal care models have been implemented in low and middle-income countries over the past decades, as proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). One such model is the 2001 Focused Antenatal Care (FANC) programme. FANC recommended a minimum of four visits for women with uncomplicated pregnancies and emphasised quality of care […]
Immediate postnatal care following childbirth in Ugandan health facilities: An analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys between 2001 and 2016
Introduction Progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is insufficient to achieve the Sustainable Developmental Goals by 2030. The first 24 hours following childbirth (immediate postnatal period), where the majority of morbidity and mortality occurs, is critical for mothers and babies. In Uganda,
Cryptosporidium Prevalence and Risk Factors among Mothers and Infants 0 to 6 Months in Rural and Semi-Rural Northwest Tanzania: A Prospective Cohort Study
Background: Cryptosporidium epidemiology is poorly understood, but infection is suspected of contributing to childhood malnutrition and diarrhea-related mortality worldwide. Methods/Findings: A prospective cohort of 108 women and their infants in rural/semi-rural Tanzania were followed from delivery through six months. Cryptosporidium infection was determined in feces using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Breastfeeding/infant feeding practices were queried and […]
Impact of maternal death reviews at a rural hospital in Zambia: A mixed methods study
Background: Maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa remains high despite programmatic efforts to improve maternal health. In 2007, the Zambian Ministry of Health mandated facility-based maternal death review (MDR) programs in line with World Health Organization recommendations. We assessed the impact of an [MDR program] at a district-level hospital in rural Zambia. Methods: We conducted a […]
