Unlocking the transformative potential of data science in improving maternal, newborn and child health in Africa: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Application of data science in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) across Africa is variable with limited documentation. Despite efforts to reduce preventable MNCH morbidity and mortality, progress remains slow. Accurate data are crucial for holding countries accountable for tracking progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 targets on MNCH.

Uptake and acceptability of oral HIV self-testing in the context of assisted partner services in Western Kenya: A mixed-methods analysis.

Integrating HIV self-testing (HIVST) into assisted partner services (APS) has potential to increase identification of people with HIV in the community, but little is known about acceptability of HIVST among partners traced via APS. We assessed characteristics of APS partners testing with HIVST, and factors influencing HIVST uptake and acceptability in a cluster-randomized control trial on APS+HIVST. Using convergent parallel mixed-methods design, we evaluated socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of APS partners who were offered HIVST or provider-delivered testing, and purposively selected a sub-set of partners for in-depth interviews (IDIs).

Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of Distributing HIV Self-Tests within Assisted Partner Services in Western Kenya.

Assisted partner services (APS) is a recommended public health approach to promote HIV testing for sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with HIV. We evaluated the cost and cost-effectiveness of integrating oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) into existing APS programs. Within the APS-HIVST study conducted in western Kenya (2021-2022), we conducted micro-costing, time-and-motion, and provider surveys to determine incremental HIVST distribution cost (2022 USD).

Perspectives of health care providers on obstetric point-of-care ultrasound in lower-level health facilities in Kenya.

Background: Ultrasound technology has become integral in antenatal care for its diagnostic effectiveness and potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite its proven benefits, challenges persist in its widespread adoption, particularly in low-resource settings like Kenya.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the integration of obstetric point-of-care ultrasound into routine maternal services in low-level facilities Kenya.

Partner Characteristics and HIV Outcomes Among Partners Reached by Phone Versus In-Person for Assisted Partner Services in Western Kenya.

Background: Assisted partner services (APS) is an effective strategy for testing people with undiagnosed HIV, but there is limited information on the relative reach and effectiveness of phone versus in-person contact.

Methods: We analyzed data from 31 facilities in Western Kenya providing APS to female index clients newly HIV diagnosed, their male partners, and female partners of men newly HIV diagnosed. Assisted partner services providers attempted contacting partners using phone first and, if unsuccessful, in-person in the community.