Perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions on the lives of young adults living with HIV in Kisumu, Kenya.

Young adults with HIV (YAHIV) may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, associated mitigation measures among YAHIV can adversely impact fragile social and economic systems. We examined the impact of the pandemic and related government-mandated restrictions among YAHIV in Kisumu, Kenya.

Neuronal composition of processing modules in human V1: laminar density for neuronal and non-neuronal populations and a comparison with macaque.

The neuronal composition of homologous brain regions in different primates is important for understanding their processing capacities. Primary visual cortex (V1) has been widely studied in different members of the catarrhines. Neuronal density is considered to be central in defining the structure-function relationship.

Contrast and Luminance Gain Control in the Macaque's Lateral Geniculate Nucleus.

There is substantial variation in the mean and variance of light levels (luminance and contrast) in natural visual scenes. Retinal ganglion cells maintain their sensitivity despite this variation using two adaptive mechanisms, which control how responses depend on luminance and on contrast. However, the nature of each mechanism and their interactions downstream of the retina are unknown.

Improving viral load utilisation to enhance care for Kenyan adolescents with HIV.

Improving the use of viral load (VL) testing for adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLWH) is a priority for Kenya's Ministry of Health (MOH). Despite expansion of VL testing coverage and rollout of national policies, guidelines and training, VL result utilisation for AYPLWH remains suboptimal, with inadequate adherence to national guidelines recommending everyone on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with unsuppressed viral load (UVL) (≥401 copies/mL) receive three enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) sessions and a repeat VL test within 3 months. In March 2019, ICAP at Columbia University partnered with the MOH to launch a Quality Improvement Collaborative (QIC) at 22 health facilities in the Eastern Province to optimise management of AYPLWH on ART with UVL.

Group antenatal care for improving retention of adolescent and young pregnant women living with HIV in Kenya.

Background: Pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents and young women living with HIV (AYWLH) have lower retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services compared to older women.

Methods: We evaluated a differentiated service model for pregnant and postnatal AYWLH at seven health facilities in western Kenya aimed at improving retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) services. All pregnant AYWLH < 25 years presenting for antenatal care (ANC) were invited to participate in group ANC visits including self-care and peer-led support sessions conducted by health facility nurses per national guidelines.