Cost of the typhoid conjugate vaccine introduction through an integrated campaign and follow-on routine immunization in Malawi.

Malawi introduced typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) in 2023 through an integrated campaign delivering TCV alongside other vaccines and interventions (measles rubella vaccine (MRV), bivalent oral polio vaccine (OPV), and vitamin A Supplementation). The campaign sought to reach all children 9 months to younger than 14 years, representing more than 9 million individuals, and about half the country's population. Following the campaign, TCV was incorporated into the routine immunization program for 9-month-old infants.

Muzima Mobile Application for Screening Hypertension and Diabetes: A User Experience of the App Among Community Health Workers in Rwanda.

Mobile technology has become the leading utility in the social and well-being of people especially in low-resource settings. The use of mobile applications in healthcare promise to improve care and treatment. This study explored the user experience of muzima mobile application among community health workers in Rwanda.

Performance and acceptability of the STREAM Disinfectant Generator for infection prevention and control practices in primary health care facilities in Uganda.

Background: Effective infection prevention and control programs can positively influence quality of care, increase patient safety, and protect health care providers. Chlorine, a widely used and effective chemical disinfectant, is recommended for infection prevention and control in health care settings. However, lack of consistent chlorine availability limits its use.

The cost of typhoid illness in low- and middle-income countries, a scoping review of the literature.

Typhoid fever is responsible for a substantial health burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). New means of prevention became available with the prequalification of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCV) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018. Policymakers require evidence to inform decisions about TCV.

Typhoid fever.

Typhoid fever is an invasive bacterial disease associated with bloodstream infection that causes a high burden of disease in Africa and Asia. Typhoid primarily affects individuals ranging from infants through to young adults. The causative organism, Salmonella enterica subsp.

A Mobile Application for Teaching and Learning Critical Thinking About Health Choices Among Youth in Rwanda: A Digital Tool for Youth Friendly Center Counsellors.

Mobile health applications can help to disseminate educational health interventions and be widely used. However, mobile health applications not carefully developed will likely not be adopted by the intended users. This paper describes the methodology used to develop a mobile health application for teaching critical thinking about health to youth attending youth friendly centres in Rwanda.

3D Photovoltaic Router of Water Microdroplets Aiming at Free-Space Microfluidic Transportation.

So far, microfluidic navigation based on space-charge modulation is limited in a two-dimensional (2D) substrate plane. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic water-microdroplet router based on a superhydrophobic LiNbO:Fe crystal is reported. This router employs the repulsive electrostatic force induced by the positive photovoltaic charges generated under focused laser illumination and permits traveling microdroplets to be routed in both in-plane and out-of-plane ways.

Hydrophobic-substrate based water-microdroplet manipulation through the long-range photovoltaic interaction from a distant LiNbO:Fe crystal.

Development of photovoltaic water-microdroplet manipulation using LN:Fe crystals has to meet the requirement of the hybrid and heating-avoided design of biological lab-on-chips. To fulfill this, we demonstrate a successful manipulation of a water microdroplet on a hydrophobic substrate by utilizing the long-range photovoltaic interaction from a distant LN:Fe crystal (see Visualization 1). The maximal manipulation distance (MMD) is found to be dependent on the laser-illumination intensity at the LN:Fe crystal and it can be tuned up to a sub-centimeter level (∼4 mm).

Visible-light-assisted condensation of ultrasonically atomized water vapor on LiNbO:Fe crystals.

Optically massive trapping of the moisture in the air into an adjacent surface is a potential technique in the fields of bacterial adhesion and microfluidic generation, which is quite important to the development of LN-based biological lab-on-chips. Here we demonstrate on a LiNbO:Fe substrate the visible-light-assisted condensation of the water vapor in a flowing stream created by an ultrasonic atomizer. Through analyzing the dynamic processes of the visible-light-assisted water condensation at different illumination intensities, it is found that the extent of the water condensation, the bending angle of water vapor trails and the interaction range of the condensation effect are highly dependent on the illumination intensity.

All-optical splitting of dielectric microdroplets by using a y-cut-LN-based anti-symmetrical sandwich structure.

We demonstrate an all-optical active mode of dielectric microdroplet splitting in a sandwich structure consisting of two anti-symmetrical y-cut LN:Fe substrates. The dynamic process of the microdroplet splitting and the simulation of the electrostatic interaction inside the sandwich gap show that the combination of two anti-symmetrical substrates are capable to provide a sufficient dielectrophoretic force and to reduce the unbalance of the drag forces for a stable and efficient splitting of the microdroplet. The dependences of the splitting time on the illumination intensity and the initial microdroplet size are also studied, and the results show that the microdroplet splitting process is fully governed by the establishment of the superposed photovoltaic field inside the sandwich gap.

Suspected Exposure to Filoviruses Among People Contacting Wildlife in Southwestern Uganda.

Background: Human and filovirus host interactions remain poorly understood in areas where Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreaks are likely to occur. In the Bwindi region of Uganda, a hot spot of mammalian biodiversity in Africa, human livelihoods are intimately connected with wildlife, creating potential for exposure to filoviruses.

Methods: We tested samples from 331 febrile patients presenting to healthcare facilities near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and Western blot, using recombinant glycoprotein antigens for Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), and Marburg virus.

Primary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Resource-Stratified Guideline.

Purpose: To provide resource-stratified (four tiers), evidence-based recommendations on the primary prevention of cervical cancer globally.

Methods: The American Society of Clinical Oncology convened a multidisciplinary, multinational panel of oncology, obstetrics/gynecology, public health, cancer control, epidemiology/biostatistics, health economics, behavioral/implementation science, and patient advocacy experts. The Expert Panel reviewed existing guidelines and conducted a modified ADAPTE process and a formal consensus-based process with additional experts (consensus ratings group) for one round of formal ratings.

Advocacy, communication, and partnerships: Mobilizing for effective, widespread cervical cancer prevention.

Both human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening/treatment are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement at all resource levels, and cervical cancer screening has been acknowledged as a "best buy" by the WHO. However, coverage with these interventions is low where they are needed most. Failure to launch or expand cervical cancer prevention programs is by and large due to the absence of dedicated funding, along with a lack of recognition of the urgent need to update policies that can hinder access to services.

Factors influencing the acquisition and correct and consistent use of the top-lit updraft cookstove in Uganda.

This study looked at the effects of select behavior change interventions on the purchase and the correct and consistent use of a locally fabricated top-lit updraft (TLUD) stove in Uganda. Behavior change interventions included training of community sales agents and village health team volunteers on household air pollution and correct use, referral of interested community members to sales agents, community cooking demonstrations, information flyers, and direct sales of TLUDs and processed wood. Qualitative and quantitative research methods shaped interventions and were used to understand attitudes and practices related to TLUD stove acquisition and use.

Feasibility of delivering HPV vaccine to girls aged 10 to 15 years in Uganda.

Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women in Uganda. The availability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine presents an opportunity to prevent cervical cancer. The Government of Uganda conducted a demonstration project exploring the feasibility of two delivery strategies.

Immunogenicity of bivalent HPV vaccine among partially vaccinated young adolescent girls in Uganda.

Background: Investigations of vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity for adult females receiving fewer than three doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have suggested protection against infection and precancerous lesions. We investigated the immunogenicity of bivalent HPV vaccines among adolescent girls from Uganda who received one, two, or three vaccine doses.

Methods: Young girls vaccinated through a government program in Uganda were invited to participate.

Using formative research to design a behavior change strategy to increase the use of improved cookstoves in peri-urban Kampala, Uganda.

Household air pollution from cooking with biomass fuels negatively impacts maternal and child health and the environment, and contributes to the global burden of disease. In Uganda, nearly 20,000 young children die of household air pollution-related pneumonia every year. Qualitative research was used to identify behavioral determinants related to the acquisition and use of improved cookstoves in peri-urban Uganda.

Screen-and-treat approach to cervical cancer prevention using visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy: experiences, perceptions, and beliefs from demonstration projects in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Cervical cancer is preventable but continues to cause the deaths of more than 270,000 women worldwide each year, most of them in developing countries where programs to detect and treat precancerous lesions are not affordable or available. Studies have demonstrated that screening by visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, affordable, and sensitive test that can identify precancerous changes of the cervix so that treatment such as cryotherapy can be provided. Government partners implemented screening and treatment using VIA and cryotherapy at demonstration sites in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Screen-and-treat approach to cervical cancer prevention using visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy: experiences, perceptions, and beliefs from demonstration projects in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Cervical cancer is preventable but continues to cause the deaths of more than 270,000 women worldwide each year, most of them in developing countries where programs to detect and treat precancerous lesions are not affordable or available. Studies have demonstrated that screening by visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, affordable, and sensitive test that can identify precancerous changes of the cervix so that treatment such as cryotherapy can be provided. Government partners implemented screening and treatment using VIA and cryotherapy at demonstration sites in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Human papillomavirus vaccine delivery strategies that achieved high coverage in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage after demonstration projects conducted in India, Peru, Uganda and Viet Nam by PATH and national governments and to explore the reasons for vaccine acceptance or refusal.

Methods: Vaccines were delivered through schools or health centres or in combination with other health interventions, and either monthly or through campaigns at fixed time points. Using a two-stage cluster sample design, the authors selected households in demonstration project areas and interviewed over 7000 parents or guardians of adolescent girls to assess coverage and acceptability.

Internet message boards for pregnancy loss: who's on-line and why?

Background: Pregnancy loss is common, but its significance is often minimized by family, friends, and the community, leaving bereaved parents with unmet need for support. This study sought to describe demographics, usage patterns, and perceived benefits for women participating in Internet pregnancy loss support groups.

Methods: We requested permission to post an anonymous Internet survey on large and active United States Internet message boards for women with miscarriages and stillbirths.

Strategic framework for increasing accessibility and utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services in Uganda.

Despite the usefulness of VCT service as an entry point to prevention for the HIV-uninfected people and care, treatment and support for those who test HIV positive, VCT service remains poorly utilized among the fishing communities. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing VCT service delivery and utilisation among fishing communities in Uganda and consequently, formulated a strategic framework for improving VCT service delivery and utilisation in the fishing communities. The study followed a 3-phased approach, collecting and analyzing quantitative data from Kasenyi fishing community under phase I, collecting and analyzing qualitative data from hospital managers and VCT counselors in phases II and III, respectively.

Factors influencing utilization of voluntary counseling and testing service in Kasenyi fishing community in Uganda.

This article reports on part of a study that described models of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service delivery and analyzed how a model influenced uptake of VCT services in a Ugandan community. A quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was used. Respondents (N = 127, 52% male, 48% female) provided data during structured interviews.

Health systems and immunization financing for human papillomavirus vaccine introduction in low-resource settings.

This descriptive qualitative study synthesizes health system and immunization financing assessments performed through formative research in India, Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam using a non-probability sample of national and sub-national stakeholders; and recommends appropriate and effective strategies for HPV vaccine delivery in low-resource settings. We conclude that maximum feasibility and acceptability and lowest cost for delivering HPV vaccine can be achieved by implementing through national immunization programs; by partnering with other sectors, such as education and maternal-child health; by strengthening existing human resources and cold chain infrastructures where needed; and finally, by considering schools for reaching the target population.

An assessment of the readiness for introduction of the HPV vaccine in Uganda.

Formative research assessing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine readiness in Uganda was conducted in 2007. The objective was to generate evidence for government decision-making and operational planning for HPV vaccine introduction. Qualitative research methods with children, parents, teachers, community leaders, health workers, technical experts and political leaders were used to capture understanding of socio-cultural, health system and policy environments.