Training in the symptothermal method to ameliorate unmet need for family planning: knowledge, attitudes and satisfaction.

Background: Addressing the unmet need for family planning to prevent unintended pregnancies is a high priority for women's health, and training as an element of the symptothermal method (STM) is deemed to be an effective strategy. This study assessed training on knowledge, attitudes and satisfaction with STM to ameliorate the unmet need for family planning.

Methods: The study adopted a pre-post study design.

Acceptability and feasibility of inter-related activities to improve agency among African district health managers: A four-country study.

District health managers (DHMs) lead and manage Ministry of Health programmes and system performance. We report on the acceptability and feasibility of inter-related activities to increase the agency of DHMs in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda using a cross-sectional rapid appraisal with 372 DHMs employing structured questionnaires. We found differences and similarities between the countries, in particular, who becomes a DHM.

Curriculum and training needs of mid-level health workers in Africa: a situational review from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.

Background: Africa's health systems rely on services provided by mid-level health workers (MLWs). Investment in their training is worthwhile since they are more likely to be retained in underserved areas, require shorter training courses and are less dependent on technology and investigations in their clinical practice than physicians. Their training programs and curricula need up-dating to be relevant to their practice and to reflect advances in health professional education.

The Plasmodium falciparum Antigen MB2 Induces Interferon-γ and Interleukin-10 Responses in Adults in Malaria Endemic Areas of Western Kenya.

Background: MB2 is a novel Plasmodium falciparum antigen of unknown function expressed in pre-erythrocytic and blood stages of infection in the human host. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-10 responses to other P. falciparum antigens have been associated with protection from clinical malaria, but these responses have not been studied for MB2.