More articles from ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Inpatient Point-of-Care HIV Early Infant Diagnosis in Mozambique to Improve Case Identification and Linkage to Antiretroviral Therapy
Introduction of point-of-care early infant diagnosis on the inpatient wards of 2 of the largest pediatric referral hospitals in Mozambique increased HIV testing volume and pediatric HIV case identification with improved linkage to antiretroviral therapy.
- Expanding Contraceptive Method Choice With a Hormonal Intrauterine System: Results From Mixed Methods Studies in Kenya and Zambia
Although the hormonal intrauterine system has limited availability in low- and middle-income countries, this highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive method has the potential to be an important addition to the method mix. Introduction of the method in the public sector under “real-world” conditions in Kenya and Zambia shows promise to increase contraception use and continuation.
- Implementing a Social Accountability Approach for Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Service Performances in Ethiopia: A Pre-Post Study Design
Implementing a community scorecard approach may help increase utilization of maternal, neonatal, and child health services in primary health care facilities. The results of our study show the importance of engaging both the community and health workers to measure and continuously improve health care processes and improve the health system performance.
- Bugs in the Bed: Addressing the Contradictions of Embedded Science with Agile Implementation Research
Implementation research often fails to have its intended impact on what programs actually do. Embedding research within target organizational systems is an effective response to this problem. We present case examples from Bangladesh, Ghana, and Tanzania that demonstrate challenges associated with embedded science. We propose “agile science” as a means of sustaining scientific rigor while simultaneously catalyzing evidence utilization.
- Curbing the Rise of Noncommunicable Diseases in Uganda: Perspectives of Policy Actors
To respond to the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda, technical, managerial, and financial resources must be increased in the Ministry of Health as well as in primary and secondary health care facilities. This investment would help further Uganda's efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and build the government's capacity to meet the increasing needs for NCD services.
- Economic Evaluation of Provision of Postpartum Intrauterine Device Services in Bangladesh and Tanzania
Provision of a postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) within 48 hours of delivery was highly cost-effective compared with standard practice in 2 lower middle-income countries. Policy makers should consider expansion of postpartum family planning counseling and introduction of immediate PPIUD services as an added tool to address the unmet need for contraception.
- The Evolving Landscape of Medical Device Regulation in East, Central, and Southern Africa
Most existing medical devices were not built for the challenges often present in many African countries. Regulatory systems for medical devices are essential to ensuring device safety and efficacy. Yet, currently, most African countries do not have a well-defined regulatory process. This discourages both innovators within Africa and companies outside of Africa from developing quality medical devices suitable for these challenges.
- Galvanizing Action on Primary Health Care: Analyzing Bottlenecks and Strategies to Strengthen Community Health Systems in West and Central Africa
In West and Central Africa, “leaving no one behind” requires strengthening community health systems by increasing health financing, improving supply chain system, and fostering community ownership and partnerships in all settings. Countries with high child mortality rates should improve service delivery through better integration. Galvanizing context-specific country actions is fundamental to improve primary health care services and move toward universal health coverage.
- Measuring Knowledge of Community Health Workers at the Last Mile in Liberia: Feasibility and Results of Clinical Vignette Assessments
We integrated clinical vignettes into routine programmatic supervision to assess community health worker knowledge of integrated community case management in rural Liberia. Results included higher rates of correct diagnosis and lifesaving treatment for uncomplicated disease than for more severe cases, with accurate recognition of danger signs posing a challenge.
- Volunteer Community Health and Agriculture Workers Help Reduce Childhood Malnutrition in Tajikistan
Paired agricultural and health interventions led by volunteer community health workers and community agricultural workers through home visits, community events, and peer support groups proved successful in improving nutrition of children and may be applicable in other contexts.