Latest Articles
- Evidence-Based Process for Prioritizing Positive Behaviors for Promotion: Zika Prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean and Applicability to Future Health Emergency Responses
To maximize the impact of Zika prevention programming efforts, a prioritization process for social and behavior change programming was developed based on a combination of research evidence and programmatic experience. Prioritized behaviors were: application of mosquito repellent, use of condoms, removing unintentional standing water, covering and scrubbing walls of water storage containers, seeking prenatal care, and seeking counseling on family planning if not planning to get pregnant.
- Getting to the First 90: Incentivized Peer Mobilizers Promote HIV Testing Services to Men Who Have Sex With Men Using Social Media in Mumbai, India
This peer mobilization pilot for HIV and syphilis testing used messaging on gay dating sites, clinic referrals, and peer recruitment to reach men who have sex with men in Mumbai. In 6 months, the pilot reached a relatively modest 247 individuals, 244 of whom had never tested for HIV. Challenges included low recruitment and loss to follow-up for posttest counseling and treatment initiation for individuals with HIV.
- Provider Bias in Family Planning Services: A Review of Its Meaning and Manifestations
Provider bias, including bias regarding client age, parity, and marital status, persists as an important barrier to contraceptive choice and access. Newer approaches to mitigate bias that have moved beyond training and guideline development to more fundamental behavior change show promise.
- Management of Preeclampsia, Severe Preeclampsia, and Eclampsia at Primary Care Facilities in Bangladesh
Program introduction, including cascade training, to screen for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia and initiate treatment with magnesium sulfate was somewhat successful. Challenges included inconsistent adherence to the national protocol, data quality, and some issues with supplies and equipment.
- It Takes a System: Magnesium Sulfate for Prevention of Eclampsia in a Resource-Limited Community Setting
Magnesium sulfate is not a silver bullet to reduce maternal mortality associated with preeclampsia/eclampsia. We believe a well-functioning health care system, especially at the hospital level, with competent well-trained providers, adequate equipment, and medications will likely be necessary.
- Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation of Community-Based Injectable Contraception: Multisourced Process and New Global Guidance
We based our guidance on a literature review, technical consultation, and case studies of 3 countries. We identified 4 essential indicators: enough community health workers (CHWs) certified to provide injectables to meet project goals, CHWs are appropriately supervised, stock of injectables is reliable, and clients are receiving injections.
- Operationalizing Integrated Immunization and Family Planning Services in Rural Liberia: Lessons Learned From Evaluating Service Quality and Utilization
Providers, managers, and clients valued the integrated service delivery model. Trends indicated slightly higher family planning uptake in intervention facilities, but that difference was not statistically significant. Intrafacility referrals by postpartum women did not negatively affect immunization utilization rates.
- Increasing Family Planning Access in Kenya Through Engagement of Faith-Based Health Facilities, Religious Leaders, and Community Health Volunteers
The Church Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) partnered with health facilities managed by faith-based organizations (FBOs), religious leaders, and community health volunteers to increase access to family planning in western Kenya. FBO-managed health facilities saw large increases in family planning uptake over the 5-year project, particularly for implants.
- The Open Birth Interval: A Resource for Reproductive Health Programs and Women's Empowerment
The open birth interval is the time since a woman's last birth. It reflects not only desire for contraception and child health services but also freedom for outside activities, employment, and personal autonomy. It merits attention from policy makers, program managers, and service providers.
- Role of Male Sex Partners in HIV Risk of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Mozambique
Efforts to prevent HIV among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) should focus on providing male sexual partners of AGYW with HIV prevention, testing, and treatment programming and providing AGYW, particularly those who are less educated, pregnant, or single mothers, with prevention methods that do not require negotiating safer sex with their partners.