Barriers and Enablers to Task Shifting for Caesarean Sections in sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.

Task shifting of Caesarean-sections to non-physician clinicians (NPCs) has raised concerns over NPCs' competences and rationale of using them in facilities where medical doctors (MDs) are scarce to provide mentorship. We conducted a scoping review to provide an update on NPCs' contribution to C-sections including barriers and enablers to task shifting. Using the PRISMA Flow Diagram, we identified 15 eligible articles from Google Scholar, PubMed and Africa Index Medicus using specific search terms and a pre-established inclusion criterion.

Policy and programmatic implications of task shifting in Uganda: a case study.

Background: Uganda has a severe health worker shortage and a high demand for health care services. This study aimed to assess the policy and programmatic implications of task shifting in Uganda.

Methods: This was a qualitative, descriptive study through 34 key informant interviews and eight (8) focus group discussions, with participants from various levels of the health system.

Policy development in malaria vector management in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Introduction: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), two principal malaria control strategies, are similar in cost and efficacy. We aimed to describe recent policy development regarding their use in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Methods: Using a qualitative case study methodology, we undertook semi-structured interviews of key informants from May 2004 to March 2005, carried out document reviews and developed timelines of key events.

Translating research into policy: lessons learned from eclampsia treatment and malaria control in three southern African countries.

Background: Little is known about the process of knowledge translation in low- and middle-income countries. We studied policymaking processes in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe to understand the factors affecting the use of research evidence in national policy development, with a particular focus on the findings from randomized control trials (RCTs). We examined two cases: the use of magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) in the treatment of eclampsia in pregnancy (a clinical case); and the use of insecticide treated bed nets and indoor residual household spraying for malaria vector control (a public health case).