Publications

1. Lilian Nyamusi Nyandieka, Mercy Karimi Njeru, Zipporah Ng’ang’a, Elizabeth Echoka, and Yeri Kombe. Male Involvement in Maternal Health Planning Key to Utilization of Skilled Birth Services in Malindi Sub-county, Kenya. Hindawi Publishing Corporation. Advances in Public Health Volume 2016; http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/5608198.
2. Lilian Nyamusi Nyandieka, Yeri Kombe, Zipporah Ng’ang’a, Jens Byskov, Mercy Karimi Njeru. An assessment of priority setting process and its implication on availability of emergency obstetric care services in Malindi District, Kenya. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2015;22:156. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2015.22.156.7296.
3. Jens Byskov, Bruno Marchal, Stephen Maluka, Joseph M Zulu, Salome A Bukachi, Anna-Karin Hurtig, Astrid Blystad, Peter Kamuzora, Charles Michelo, Lillian N Nyandieka, et al and the REACT Consortium. The accountability for reasonableness approach to guide priority setting in health systems within limited resources – findings from action research at district level in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Health Research Policy and Systems 2014, 12:49 : https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4505-12-49
4. Elizabeth Echoka, Anselimo Makokha, Dominique Dubourg, Yeri Kombe, Lillian Nyandieka, Jens Byskov. Barriers to emergency obstetric care services: accounts of survivors of life threatening obstetric complications in Malindi District, Kenya. Pan Africa Medical Journal. 2014;17(Supp 1):4 : doi: 10.11694/pamj.supp.2014.17.1.3042
5. Munyuwiny S, Kamweya A, Nyandieka L, Murimi N. Factors Associated with HIV Risk Sexual Behavior among Female Domestic Workers in Nairobi, Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2013; 25:104-119
6. Lilian N Nyandieka, Annabel Bowden, John Wanjau and Julia A Fox-Rushby. Managing a household survey: a practical example from the KENQOL survey. Health Policy Plan. (2002) 17 (2): 207-212
7. Annabel Bowden; Julia Fox-Rushby; L Nyandieka; J Wanjau. Methods for pre-testing and piloting survey questions: illustrations from the KENQOL survey of health-related quality of life. Health Policy Plan. (2002) 17(3): 322-330

Research Interests He has participated in the development and implementation of various projects in nutrition, policy development and analysis, health system, household surveys, in communities on varied Biomedical and Behavioral health issues. He has been teaching in various universities since 2009 to-date. He teaches Social Sciences in Health in Masters of Public Health, Envionmental, Industrial and Occupational Health and Health Systems and Society (KEMRI Graduate School), Health Systems and Society, Social Sciences in Health and Planning and Evaluation in Health (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology). He supervizes students pursuing MPH and PhD for Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He taught Health education and promotion, Communcable Diseases, Research Methods, Public and Community Health, Population Health Informatics and Epidemiology (South Eastern Kenya University); Health Systems Management (Kenya Methodist University) and Behavioural Sciences (University of Kabianga). His research interests include Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, surveys,  gender, tobacco, health systems, behaviour and diseases and policy development and analysis. He is a reviewer of MPH proposals and a member of the Centre Scientific Committee. He is also an author of various manuscripts and a reviewer of manuscripts/articles to peer reviewed journals. He has published widely.

 

2. Projects

– February 2019 – Co Principal Investigator – A baseline situation analysis on population needs for Universal Health Coverage in four pilot Counties in Kenya. This was a rapid assessment that looked at the health needs of various segments of the population withinh the 4 Pilot Counties. The National govenment planned to roll-out UHC in response to WHO call to its member states to promote the healthcare sector by ensuring everyone obtains the health care they need, when they need it wherever they live in the community and as a way of enabling and preparing its population to access better quality healthcare to face other challenges in life.

– August 2018 –to-date – Principal Researcher – Investigating barriers and enablers ot scale-up of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Project in Homa Bay, Migori and Kisumu Counties. Infant mortality (including pre-term babies) remains one of the international public health concern including Kenya. One of the identified causes of this mortality is the inability of pre-terms gaining the required weight. Kangaroo Mother Care is a practice that has been shown to enable preterms to gain the necessary weight. Therefore, this project is looking at the possibility of sensitizing the community to embrace it as it is looking for possible barriers and enablers to its scale-up at the community

July 2019-to-date – Co Principal Investigator – Strengthening the Primary Care System for Prevention and Control of CVD in Kenya: Feasibility Study of HEalth KIosks in Community Markets “HEKIMA Project” This project is implemented in Vihiga County. It aims to establish feasibility of using health kiosks in selected community markets within the county and use them to offer basic health services in relation to cardiovascular diseases.

– October 2018 – to-date – Co-Principal Investigator – Assessing indigenous community based cancer palliative care approaches for improved quality of life and longevity and in enhancing conservation strategies for medicinal plants in Kenya. This is  a collaborative study between KEMRI, National Museums of Keenya and the University of Nairobi. This study was conducted amongst traditional health practitioners who use indegenous trees/plants to treat and manage cancer in selected parts of Kenya.

– November 2018 – Co-Investigator – Prevalence and Factors associated with drug and substance use among students studying at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County

– August 2015 to-February 2017 – ‘Effects of miraa and the perception of the community towards miraa growing and chewing in Embu and Meru Counties’ This was a study that was conducted in various sites both in Meru and Embu Counties. It looked at the effect of miraa and muguka among chewers in those counties.

 

3. List of publications

P.Otiende, G. Kikuvi and J. Mutai (2019) Factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Migori County Referral Hospital. European International Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 8 (5) 11-25

Mburu Muiyuro, Kenneth Ngure, Joseph Mutai, Murima Ng‟ang‟a (2019) Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and Associated Factors among HIV Positive Adolescents in Kenya IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science. Vol. 24 (1)8 (January) 17-25 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845.

Ongeri L., Kirui F., Muniu E., Veronica Manduku V., Kirumbi L., Atwoli L., Agure

S., Wanzala P., Kaduka L., Karimi M., Mutisya R., Elizabeth Echoka E., Mutai J.,

Mathu D. and Mbakaya C.L. (2019) Khat use and psychotic symptoms in a rural

Khat growing population in Kenya: a household survey BMC Psychiatry 5(12)

Safari Agure, LCM Mbakaya, Erastus Muniu, Lydia Kaduka, Leah Kirumbi, Fredrick Kirui, Peter Wanzala, Veronica Manduku, Linnet Ongeri, Joseph Mutai1, Elizabeth Echoka, Prisca Otambo, Mercy Karimi (2019) Schooling In The Midst of KHAT Growing, Chewing and Trading IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Vol 9,(2 Ser. I. (Mar. – Apr) 59-67

Winfred Ndinda Muinde, Gideon Mutie Kikuvi and Joseph Mutai (2019) Factors associated with Non compliance to bracing in club foot among mothers of children under five years with club foot in African Inland Church Cure International Children’s Hospital, Kijabe, Kenya.  Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing ISSN 2520-4025 (Online) Vol.4 (2)1 pp1- 22

Anastasia Mpungu, Drusilla G. M. Makworo and J. Mutai (2019) Compliance of hypertensive management and Blood pressure control among patients attending the Health promotion Clinic of AAR Williamson House Outpatient Centre, Nairobi, academia.edu/37873616

 

Wanzala P., Lumumba CM., Muniu E., Kaduka L., Kirumbi L., Karimi M., Manduku V., Ongeri L., Mutisya R., Echoka E., Mutai J., Ndegwa L., Olale J., Mpoke S. (2017) Association between oral hygiene and miraa/muguka chewing Journal of the Kenya Dental Association vol 8(3) 561-567

Satawa Mohamed Adan, Gideon Kikuvi and Joseph Mutai (2018) Factors associated with biomedical waste management practices among healthcare personnel at Mbagathi county hospital, Nairobi Kenya. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing www.iiste.org ISSN 2422-8419 Vol.55

Nelly T Ndiema, Joseph Mutai and Drusilla Makworo (2018) Nutritional Assessment Practices among Health Care Workers at the Pediatric Emergency Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital Pediatrics & Therapeutics, 8:3 DOI: 10.4172/2161-0665.1000348

Projects

Principal Investigator (2019-2021): An MRC-NRF funded study “Strengthening primary care systems for prevention & control of cardiovascular diseases in Kenya: feasibility study of health kiosks in markets”. This is a system-led intervention study that seeks to improve the reach and sustainability of cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion interventions in communities through market-based health kiosks, in an effort to address inequalities in health care access.  

Co-Principal Investigator (2018-2020): A GOK funded study “Schistosomiasis infection in women of reproductive age: Patho-physiological and Immunological Changes, Nutritional Status, Birth Weight Outcomes and Treatment Strategy in Kwale and Kilifi – Kenya”. The aim of this project is to establish pathophysiological consequences of schistosomiasis infection in pregnancy to inform prevention and management interventions. 

Co-Investigator (2017-2020): A GOK supported study “Prevalence, correlates and evaluation of treatment modalities for drug and substance use in Kiambu and Nakuru counties”. The goal of this project is to inform drug and substance use intervention efforts.

Co-Investigator (2018-2020): A GOK funded study “Establishment of the Kenya national cancer registry: A system that will collate national data on cancer incidence, mortality and survival”. The goal of this project is to strengthen and expand the reach of the KEMRI-led cancer surveillance program in Kenya.

Principal Investigator (2016-2019): An NIH supported study “Addressing cardiovascular disease challenges through implementation research and capacity development”. The aim of this project is to establish facilitators and barriers to implementation of national cardiovascular disease guidelines in primary healthcare, for address.

Principal Investigator (2014-2019): An NIH funded project “Stroke distribution patterns and characteristics among stroke patients in Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya”. This is a collaborative project between KEMRI, University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Maine Medical Centre (USA). This study seeks to gather baseline information on the burden and nature of stroke in Kenya’s leading referral hospitals with the ultimate aim of informing establishment of the first ever national stroke registry. 

Co-investigator (2017-2018): A UMC Utrecht Global Health funded project “Exploring understanding and perceptions of residents of two informal settlements in Nairobi on CVD risk factors, overall CVD risk, treatment and management”.

Completed Projects

Principal Investigator (2015-2017): A KEMRI funded project “Nutrition status and dietary patterns of cancer patients seeking treatment in two cancer treatment centres, Nairobi County”. This was a collaborative study between KEMRI and Kenyatta National Hospital that sought to inform integration of nutrition care in cancer management services.

Principal Investigator (2014-2017): A Coca-Cola Company funded project “Prevalence of insulin resistance among residents of Karen/Langata and Kibra Constituencies in Nairobi County, Kenya”. This study sought to understand the association between cardiometabolic risk factors and beta cell function among an urban population in Nairobi, Kenya. Findings were to assist in refining cardiovascular risk assessment and inform interventions strategies.

Co-Principal Investigator (2014-2018): A Danone Baby Nutrition Africa Overseas Foundation funded project “Maternal nutrition status among women attending routine ANC in selected health facilities in Nairobi, Kenya”. This was a collaborative study between KEMRI and Aga Khan University Hospital investigating the maternal nutritional status of women in the 2^nd trimester attending obstetrics and gynaecology clinic and routine antenatal care visits at Aga Khan University Hospital, St. Mary’s Mission Hospital and Mama Lucy Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, with the aim of informing programs geared towards improving maternal health.

Co-Investigator (2015-2018): A GoK funded project “Assessing health factors and experiences associated with Khat handling and chewing in selected areas of Kenya”. This study commissioned by Parliament, sought to assess health factors and explore experiences associated with Khat handling and chewing in selected areas of Kenya.

National Survey Coordinator and Co-Investigator (2011-2017): A UNICEF, Micronutrient Initiative (MI), World Food Programme (WFP) and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) funded project: “The Kenya National Micronutrient Survey 2011”. This was a national survey by the Division of Nutrition, Ministry of Health in collaboration with KEMRI and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics that sought to establish the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, protein-energy malnutrition, infectious diseases, and use of fortified food products by the Kenyan population. Findings provided policy makers and programme managers with the necessary information to plan and implement micronutrient interventions.

 

Co-Investigator (2012-2015): A WFP funded project: “Nutritional vulnerability profiling survey on care and treatment of patients attending Comprehensive Care Clinics in Kenya”. This was a collaborative survey between KEMRI, NASCOP, Ministry of Health and WFP whose main aim was to provide information on nutrition and food security needs of people living with HIV accessing treatment, for decision making on appropriate nutrition and food support interventions to accompany comprehensive treatment packages.

Co-Investigator (2011-2017): An International Development Research Centre (IDRC) funded project: “Enhancing household nutritional and health outcomes through innovation for resilient farming systems and food security in the Semi-Arid Midlands of Kenya”. This study sought to promote the uptake of Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) innovative agriculture technologies by local communities living in ASAL region of Eastern Kenya that is greatly impacted by climate change and characterized by dependence on food aid.

 

Co-Investigator (2011-2017): An MI funded Study: “In Depth Analysis of the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) Strategy in Kenya”. A collaborative project between Division of Nutrition-Ministry of Health, KEMRI and MI. The main aim of the study was to assist in improving effectiveness of the USI strategy for Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) elimination.

Co-Investigator (2012-2017): A Nutricia Foundation funded project: “Effect of Iodine exposure on blood pressure among female school children and women in Makueni, Kenya: Randomized crossover trial”. This study sought to understand the association between iodine status, thyroid function and blood pressure in the wake of rising cardiovascular incidences nationally.

Co-Investigator (2011-2017): An American Cancer Association funded project: “Developing evidence based strategy to inform the integration of selected cancers and other non-communicable diseases education and screening services into existing HIV testing and counselling centers in Nairobi, Kenya”. This was a collaborative study between KEMRI, Kenya Cancer Association and the American Cancer Society that sought to explore the uptake and integration of NCD care and management in HIV testing and counselling systems.

Principal Investigator (2008-2012): A KEMRI and University of Southampton (UK) funded project: “The use of novel biochemical markers in coronary heart disease risk assessment among an urban population in Kenya”. This study sought to determine the prevalence and interrelation of conventional and novel risk factors for coronary heart disease among residents of Kibra and Karen Constituencies. The study highlighted cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors of interest and recommended intervention measures aimed at curbing their effects on health.

Co-Investigator (2007-2009): A USAID funded project: “Randomized controlled evaluation of the impact of food supplements on malnourished HIV-infected adult ART clients, and malnourished HIV-infected pre-ART adults in Kenya. This was a collaborative project between USAID and KEMRI whose findings informed the design of food based nutrition interventions for management of HIV/AIDS. 

Co-Investigator (2005-2006): A DANIDA funded project: “The occurrence of type-2 diabetes mellitus in rural and urban populations and its association with rural-urban migration”. This was a collaborative project between KEMRI, University of Copenhagen and Kenyatta University. Project findings informed development of the Kenya National Diabetes Strategy.

List of publications

1. Safari Agure, LCM Mbakaya, Erastus Muniu, Lydia Kaduka, Leah Kirumbi, Fredrick Kirui, Peter Wanzala, Veronica Manduku, Linnet Ongeri, Joseph Mutai, Elizabeth Echoka , Prisca Otambo , Mercy Karimi Schooling inThe Midst of KHAT Growing, Chewing and                                                  Trading  IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar- Apr PP 59-67,2019
2. Linnet Ongeri, Fredrick Kirui, Erastus Muniu, Veronica Manduku, Leah Kirumbi, Lukoye Atwoli, Safari Agure, Peter Wanzala, Lydia Kaduka, Mercy Karimi, Richard Mutisya, Elizabeth Echoka, Joseph Mutai, David Mathu and Charles Mbakaya. Khat use and psychotic symptoms in a rural Khat growing population in Kenya: a household survey. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:137.
3. Kaduka L., Muniu E., Mbui J., et al. Disability-adjusted life years due to stroke in Kenya. Neuroepidemiology 2019; doi 1159/000498970.
4. Bukania Z, Van der Haar F, Mwangi M, Mugambi G, Murage L, Mwai J, Ng’ang’a J, Kaduka L, Ndemwa P, Wanyoike C and Y Kombe. Iodine Status And Sources Of Dietary Iodine Intake In Kenyan Women And Children. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev. 2019; 19(2): 14218-14243.
5. Martin N. Mwangi, Elizabeth Echoka, Marthe Knijff, Lydia Kaduka, Brenda G. Werema, Frida M. Kinya, Richard Mutisya. Iron Status of Kenyan Pregnant Women after Adjusting for Inflammation Using BRINDA Regression Analysis and Other Correction Methods. Nutrients 2019:11; 420.

Dr. Otambo holds a PhD in Public health from JKUAT, Masters of Arts degree in Medical Sociology, (University of Nairobi) and Bachelor of Arts degree in Business & Office Management, Hons from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology). She public health research and training professional (Social Scientist), with keen interest in HIV/AIDS, gender and health, Health Systems   and community development. Over 20 years working experience both in administrative and scientific fields with priority in identifying, developing, implementing and managing quantitative and qualitative research in public health. Outstanding communication and writing skills; able to work in a team and independently; prioritize and meet deadlines. She is also Chairperson, Gender Mainstreaming Committee, Head Social Sciences Unit and a member of Violence and Injury Prevention Technical Working Group, Ministry of Health, and also a   Fellow, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development.

 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

ON GOING PROJECTS

1. Co-Investigator: Implementation Research to Support Iron and Folic Acid

Supplementation in Counties of Busia, Kitui, in Kenya – 2019

2. Co-PI: Prevalence and Factors associated with drug and substance use among students in Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County – 2017
3. Co-Investigator: A rapid situation analysis on population needs for universal health coverage in   Isiolo, Nyeri, Machakos and Kisumu counties, Kenya – 2019
4. Co-Investigator: Assessing health shocks, coping strategies and the effect of UHC in reducing the welfare loss among the households in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties of Kenya
5. Co-Investigator: Assessing Population Health Needs And Health Systems’ Capacity For The Implementation Of Universal Health Coverage In Kenya

PREVIOUS PROJECTS

1. Co-Investigator: Investigating the health aspects associated with Khat handling and chewing in selected areas of Kenya, 2014
2. Co-Investigator: Kenya micronutrient survey – 2010 Co-Investigator: Multi-criteria analysis for preparation of road sector investment pregame (rsip2) for 2015-2016- Kenya roads board – 2016
3. Co-Investigator: Task shifting in health service delivery at community level in Nyanza province: a situation analysis – 2014
4. 1. Principal Investigator: Factors affecting adoption of HIV/AIDS programming among men who have sex with men in Nairobi county –Kenya 2014
   2. Co-Investigator: Towards understanding the effects of alcohol abuse on      HIV/AIDS amongst PLWHA in Busia 2014
   3. Principal Investigator: Factors affecting quality of life of women with HIV/AIDS in Korogocho slums, Nairobi – 2009

   Publications:             

   1.Otambo P.  C. N, Mburugu E, Korir R,(2013) Quality of Life of Women living with HIV and AIDS in Korogocho Slums, Nairobi, Kenya: Afr J Health Sci. 2013; 24:149-15

   2. P.C.N. Otambo et al (2016) : Accessibility to, acceptability of and adherence to HIV/AIDS prevention services by men who have sex with men: Challenges encountered at facility level – Advances in Public Health ,Volume 2016.

   3.Otambo P.C.N., Mathu D., Mutai J., Agure S., Ongadi B., Makokha A., Karama M.Factors associated with uptake of HIV/AIDS prevention services among men who have sex with men in Nairobi County,July 14, 2016 HIV/AIDS, Volume29_4

   4. Otambo P.C.N^{1 .}Mathu D: Investing in health regionally – a synthesis of the 5^th annual East African Community Health and Scientific Conference:

    [Afr J Health Sci. 2016; 29(5)]

   5.Safari Agure, LCM Mbakaya, Erastus Muniu, Lydia Kaduka, Leah Kirumbi, Fredrick Kirui, Peter Wanzala, Veronica Manduku, Linnet Ongeri, Joseph Mutai, Elizabeth Echoka , Prisca Otambo , Mercy Karimi;   Schooling In The Midst of KHAT Growing, Chewing and Trading:   IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar- Apr 2019 PP 59-67 

   Conference Disseminations

   1. 1. Otambo P^., PhD¹; Njeru M. K, PhD¹; Nyandieka L., MA¹; Kariuki J., MSc¹; Mutisya     R, MSc¹; Echoka E, PhD¹;  Mutai J., PhD¹; Mokua S., MSc¹;  Kariuki D, MBChB²; Bukania Z, PhD:

   Universal Health Coverage in Four Pilot Counties of Kenya: Implementation Process, Opportunities And Role Of Implementing Partners – accepted abstract to be presented in Uganda on 27^th August 2019

    

   2. Otambo P^., PhD¹; Njeru M. K, PhD¹;  Nyandieka L., MA¹; Kariuki J., MSc¹; Mutisya R, MSc¹; Echoka E, PhD¹;  Mutai J., PhD¹; Mokua S., MSc¹;  Kariuki D, MBChB²; Bukania Z, PhD:

   niversal Health Coverage in  Four Pilot Counties Of Kenya: Implementation Process And Opportunities For Improvement – Presented in UHC conference in Kisumu in May 2019

    

   3. 3. C. N. Otambo, A. Makokha, M. Karama, and M. Mwangi: Accessibility to, Acceptability of, and Adherence to HIV/AIDS Prevention Services by Men Who Have Sex with Men- KASH Conference – 2017

    

   Practices of Alcohol Consumption Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Busia

   County of Kenya”.MIXED METHODS RESEARCHCARIBBEAN

   CONFERENCE. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston,

   JAMAICA – 12th – 13th March 2015

   4. Safari D. Agure, Joseph Mutai, Prisca Otambo and Erastus Muniu “Attitudes and

Dr. Otambo holds a PhD in Public health from JKUAT, Masters of Arts degree in Medical Sociology, (University of Nairobi) and Bachelor of Arts degree in Business & Office Management, Hons from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology). She public health research and training professional (Social Scientist), with keen interest in HIV/AIDS, gender and health, Health Systems   and community development. Over 20 years working experience both in administrative and scientific fields with priority in identifying, developing, implementing and managing quantitative and qualitative research in public health. Outstanding communication and writing skills; able to work in a team and independently; prioritize and meet deadlines. She is also Chairperson, Gender Mainstreaming Committee, Head Social Sciences Unit and a member of Violence and Injury Prevention Technical Working Group, Ministry of Health, and also a   Fellow, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development.

 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

ON GOING PROJECTS

1. Co-Investigator: Implementation Research to Support Iron and Folic Acid

Supplementation in Counties of Busia, Kitui, in Kenya – 2019

2. Co-PI: Prevalence and Factors associated with drug and substance use among students in Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County – 2017
3. Co-Investigator: A rapid situation analysis on population needs for universal health coverage in   Isiolo, Nyeri, Machakos and Kisumu counties, Kenya – 2019
4. Co-Investigator: Assessing health shocks, coping strategies and the effect of UHC in reducing the welfare loss among the households in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties of Kenya
5. Co-Investigator: Assessing Population Health Needs And Health Systems’ Capacity For The Implementation Of Universal Health Coverage In Kenya

PREVIOUS PROJECTS

1. Co-Investigator: Investigating the health aspects associated with Khat handling and chewing in selected areas of Kenya, 2014
2. Co-Investigator: Kenya micronutrient survey – 2010 Co-Investigator: Multi-criteria analysis for preparation of road sector investment pregame (rsip2) for 2015-2016- Kenya roads board – 2016
3. Co-Investigator: Task shifting in health service delivery at community level in Nyanza province: a situation analysis – 2014
   1. Principal Investigator: Factors affecting adoption of HIV/AIDS programming among men who have sex with men in Nairobi county –Kenya 2014
   2. Co-Investigator: Towards understanding the effects of alcohol abuse on      HIV/AIDS amongst PLWHA in Busia 2014
   3. Principal Investigator: Factors affecting quality of life of women with HIV/AIDS in Korogocho slums, Nairobi – 2009
4. Publications:             1.Otambo P.  C. N, Mburugu E, Korir R,(2013) Quality of Life of Women living with HIV and AIDS in Korogocho Slums, Nairobi, Kenya: Afr J Health Sci. 2013; 24:149-15
   2. P.C.N. Otambo et al (2016) : Accessibility to, acceptability of and adherence to HIV/AIDS prevention services by men who have sex with men: Challenges encountered at facility level – Advances in Public Health ,Volume 2016.

   3.Otambo P.C.N., Mathu D., Mutai J., Agure S., Ongadi B., Makokha A., Karama M.Factors associated with uptake of HIV/AIDS prevention services among men who have sex with men in Nairobi County,July 14, 2016 HIV/AIDS, Volume29_4

   4. Otambo P.C.N^{1 .}Mathu D: Investing in health regionally – a synthesis of the 5^th annual East African Community Health and Scientific Conference:

    [Afr J Health Sci. 2016; 29(5)]

   5.Safari Agure, LCM Mbakaya, Erastus Muniu, Lydia Kaduka, Leah Kirumbi, Fredrick Kirui, Peter Wanzala, Veronica Manduku, Linnet Ongeri, Joseph Mutai, Elizabeth Echoka , Prisca Otambo , Mercy Karimi;   Schooling In The Midst of KHAT Growing, Chewing and Trading:   IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar- Apr 2019 PP 59-67 

   Conference Disseminations

   1. 1. Otambo P^., PhD¹; Njeru M. K, PhD¹; Nyandieka L., MA¹; Kariuki J., MSc¹; Mutisya     R, MSc¹; Echoka E, PhD¹;  Mutai J., PhD¹; Mokua S., MSc¹;  Kariuki D, MBChB²; Bukania Z, PhD:

   Universal Health Coverage in Four Pilot Counties of Kenya: Implementation Process, Opportunities And Role Of Implementing Partners – accepted abstract to be presented in Uganda on 27^th August 2019

    

   2. Otambo P^., PhD¹; Njeru M. K, PhD¹;  Nyandieka L., MA¹; Kariuki J., MSc¹; Mutisya R, MSc¹; Echoka E, PhD¹;  Mutai J., PhD¹; Mokua S., MSc¹;  Kariuki D, MBChB²; Bukania Z, PhD:

   niversal Health Coverage in  Four Pilot Counties Of Kenya: Implementation Process And Opportunities For Improvement – Presented in UHC conference in Kisumu in May 2019

    

   3. 3. C. N. Otambo, A. Makokha, M. Karama, and M. Mwangi: Accessibility to, Acceptability of, and Adherence to HIV/AIDS Prevention Services by Men Who Have Sex with Men- KASH Conference – 2017

    

   Practices of Alcohol Consumption Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Busia

   County of Kenya”.MIXED METHODS RESEARCHCARIBBEAN

   CONFERENCE. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston,

   JAMAICA – 12th – 13th March 2015

Ms. Lillian Nyandieka is a highly motivated research scientist working at the Center for Public Health Research (CPHR). She is currently involved in the following studies: Access to Cancer Care in Kenya; The effect of Nutritional counselling of primary caregivers and peer support on the Nutritional status of children under five years; Universal Health Coverage in Kenya; and the effect of Gestational Diet, Gestational Diabetes and Maternal Obesity on Nutritional Programming in offspring.

 

 

 

Professional Qualification:

1. MA. (Sociology)- Ch. Charan Singh University, (India)
2. B.A. (Sociology/ Pub. Admin)- Kurukshetra University (India)
3. Diploma Counselling Psychology – Amani Counselling and Training Institute

 

Research Interests

1. Health Priority-Setting
2. Maternal and Child Health
3. NCDs, Patient and Caregiver Support
4. Mental Wellbeing
5. Alcohol Abuse and Community Health

 

Currently involved in research on: Access to cancer care in Kenya; The effect of Nutritional counselling of primary caregivers and peer support on the Nutritional status of children under five years; Universal Health Coverage in Kenya; and the effect of Gestational Diet, Gestational Diabetes and Maternal Obesity on Nutritional Programming in offspring.

 

Publications

1. Lilian Nyamusi Nyandieka, Mercy Karimi Njeru, Zipporah Ng’ang’a, Elizabeth Echoka, and Yeri Kombe. Male Involvement in Maternal Health Planning Key to Utilization of Skilled Birth Services in Malindi Sub-county, Kenya. Hindawi Publishing Corporation. Advances in Public Health Volume 2016; http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/5608198.
2. Lilian Nyamusi Nyandieka, Yeri Kombe, Zipporah Ng’ang’a, Jens Byskov, Mercy Karimi Njeru. An assessment of priority setting process and its implication on availability of emergency obstetric care services in Malindi District, Kenya. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2015;22:156. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2015.22.156.7296.
3. Jens Byskov, Bruno Marchal, Stephen Maluka, Joseph M Zulu, Salome A Bukachi, Anna-Karin Hurtig, Astrid Blystad, Peter Kamuzora, Charles Michelo, Lillian N Nyandieka, et al and the REACT Consortium. The accountability for reasonableness approach to guide priority setting in health systems within limited resources – findings from action research at district level in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Health Research Policy and Systems 2014, 12:49 : https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4505-12-49
4. Elizabeth Echoka, Anselimo Makokha, Dominique Dubourg, Yeri Kombe, Lillian Nyandieka, Jens Byskov. Barriers to emergency obstetric care services: accounts of survivors of life threatening obstetric complications in Malindi District, Kenya. Pan Africa Medical Journal. 2014;17(Supp 1):4 : doi: 10.11694/pamj.supp.2014.17.1.3042
5. Munyuwiny S, Kamweya A, Nyandieka L, Murimi N. Factors Associated with HIV Risk Sexual Behavior among Female Domestic Workers in Nairobi, Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2013; 25:104-119

Position/Designation: Research Scientist, Centre for Public Health Research.

Contact Address: P.O. Box 20752, 00202 Nairobi

Email: gro.irmekobfsctd@demhai

Alternative Email: moc.oohayobfsctd@wodaliamsi

Highest Education level: Degree- BSC, Population health at Kenyatta University.

Ongoing: Masters of Public health (Epidemiology and Disease Control) at Kenyatta University.

Skills: Epidemiological, Health Informatics, Statistical Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation, social behavior change and communication and biomedical research skills.

Short description of work

Ismail Adow have experience in Public health, Nutrition, Social Behavior Change and Communication( SBCC) and Biomedical research, worked as Research Scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute, also worked with Save the children International as Nutrition Communication for development officer and Hygiene Promoter at Médecins Sans Frontières, Swiss.

Ongoing Project as Principal investigator:

Uptake of Antenatal care service among women of reproductive age in Mandera County, Kenya sponsored by child health Foundation, USA.

Ongoing Project as Co-investigator.

 Strengthening counties health workers capacity for evidence-based decisions use and intervention support systems through more effective application of knowledge at the stage of priority setting in Kenya sponsored by National Research Fund.

Assessing Population Health Needs and health systems’ capacity for the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in Kenya sponsored by Government of Kenya.

 

Research / Career interests: Health system strengthening, Epidemiology and Diseases surveillance and Nutrition

Position/Designation:  RESEARCH OFFICER

Contact Address: P.O. Box 20752, 00202 Nairobi

Email: ku.oc.oohayobfsctd@5002siraknj

Alternative Email: gro.irmekobfsctd@omugnj  

Highest Education level: MBA (health services management)

Skills: Statistical Analysis / Health Informatics / Health Systems Operations

Research / Career interests:

Health /  Strategic Planning for health services / Knowledge Management & Knowledge Translation

Short description of work I have over 20 years work experience in conducting research in health and managing research related processes; training and capacity building for human resource in health; partnering in inter-regional collaborative projects in health and water sectors.  In addition, I have valuable experience in handling and managing large flexible data using MS Access / Visual Basic (VB) software as well as Open Data Kit (ODK) software (mobile data collection technologies). For data analysis, gained experience in using statistical software such as SPSS/PC, Epi, & Strata. For mapping, I prefer to use GRASS GIS modular software.

2. Projects 

Knowledge Management & Strengthening Counties Capacity For Evidence-Based Decisions And Intervention Support Systems Through More Effective Use And Application Of Knowledge	The project aimed at assessing build capacity of counties healthcare workers to acquire, assess, adapt and apply research evidence to inform decision making processes
Public Private Partnerships in Health Service Provision Project	In Kenya, the private health sector is an untapped resource that could be mobilized in the quest to strengthen laboratory services at the county level. The private sector has tremendous potential as demonstrated in part as an approach to improve access to laboratory services which are critical to the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and other communicable diseases. Private clinical laboratories are increasingly playing an important role in the delivery of health services at the counties. The issue of counties’ health disparities and the need to engage private partners has been key agenda items during previous Council of Governors’ annual retreats.  Partly, these disparities are attributed to the “know-do gap” which is the in-action or delay in applying the available evidence, knowledge and best practices; and the delay in conducting health research of immediate relevance to policy and decision makers. Overall objective is to assess the current potential of public private partnerships in tuberculosis diagnostic services at county level.
Road Traffic Injuries & Related Trauma Project	Road traffic injuries have been neglected from the global health agenda for many years, despite being predictable and largely preventable. The alarming increase in morbidity and mortality owing to RTA over the past few decades is a matter of great concern globally. Despite this concern, most of the studies on the characteristics of injuries related to non-fatal RTIs have been carried out in hospitals in other countries, whereas in the Kenyan hospitals such studies are limited. The objective was to investigate the characteristics and injury risk factors of non-fatal injuries among road injury casualties including   pre trauma response mechanisms in Machakos and Kisumu Counties in Kenya
Regional East Africa Community, health collaborative initiatives	The REACH-Policy Initiative (REACH-PI) was set-up has a East Africa Community (EAC) regional knowledge translation and institutional mechanism which was to bridge the gap between health research outputs and providing evidence for policy consideration and change of practice.  The REACH-PI outputs are designing to ensure that the evidence generated from member countries are accessible, timely, credible, trusted, packaged in a user-friendly format and relevant to local context. Having recognized that the traditional push approach from researchers (supply side), and pull approach from policy makers (demand side) has not worked well, it is proposed hereby to apply a new model: a professional, dedicated and autonomous brokerage that will mediate between policy makers and the research community in an iterative fashion. The goal of REACH-PI was therefore to improve people’s health and health equity in East Africa through more effective use and application of knowledge to strengthen health policy and practice. The mission is to access, synthesize, package and communicate evidence required for policy and practice and for influencing policy relevant research agendas for improved population health and health equity.
East Africa Public Health Laboratories Networking  (EAPHLN) Project	The East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project (EAPHLN) was conceived from analysis of lessons learnt from various international and regional government supported efforts as well as multinational donors and UN agencies. In this regard, in order to leverage on challenges and success of various approaches, the World Bank strategy of adopted nationally – implement regionally will be the focus on new approaches. By strengthening diagnostic capacities of public health laboratories in the region, the World Bank will be supporting disease surveillance and sharing information with neighboring countries with emphasis on accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment and managing the growing problem of drug resistance. The choice of TB as a disease of study is influenced by the increasing number of TB drug resistances which poses  major public health risks regionally and globally, high burden of TB; and high expected rate of return, high cost-effective, strong public good nature of TB control effort.
Assessment of Technology Utilization of Health and Research Information In Kirinyaga County Project	To conduct an assessment of health and research information systems in selected public health facilities in Kirinyaga County.
Kenya  Health Data & Research Organization (KHRO) Technical working group	The Kenya Health Research Observatory (KHRO) programme is designed to address the challenges of health research knowledge management. In so doing, it will guide research capacity building efforts, identify health research needs, feed into county as well as national health priority setting mechanisms, and guide new investments in research based on public health needs.  The proposed platform will be updated regularly from information and analysis of research evidence generated by institutions (public & private) undertaking research in health in Kenya.
A rapid situation analysis on population needs for universal health coverage in government selected Pilot Counties, Kenya	The overall project was to explore population-driven needs for an effective Universal Health Coverage program in the selected pilot counties of Isiolo, Kisumu, Machakos, and  Nyeri.

 

List of publications (selected in the last 5 years)

3. Kariuki JN, Kaburi J, Musuva R, et al. Research Dissemination Strategies Used by Kenya Medical Research Institute Scientists. E Afr Health Res J. 2019;3(1):70-78. http://doi.org/10.24248/EAHRJ-D-18-00011.
4. Oghera W., Ooga, O., Orare D., Wambura F., Chimbevo ML. Kariuki JN., Wang’ombe A. (2017). GBV Determinants of Survival of HIV-HAART Naive Patients to HAART Initiation at Bondo Sub-County Hospital: A Two Year Retrospective Cohort Study. International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science. Vol. 3, No. 2, 2017, pp. 7-

• Ngorett FC., Kariuki JN., Kariuki JKK., (2016). An Assessment of Information Communication Technology Content, Context and Process Dimensions in Public Health Facilities in Machakos and Nairobi Counties. East African Medical Journal. Volume 93. No.5. September 2016.

93. Muchiri F., Kariuki JN., Otundo D., Mwangandi L., Karanja S., (2016). Cost-Efficient Evaluation of Ambulance Services for Community Critical Care Transport Needs in Machakos County, Kenya. East African Medical Journal. Volume 93. No.5. May 2016.
94. Mulia WK., Mbakaya CFL., Makokha A., Mbugua GG., Kariuki JN., Muniu E., (2016). Nutritional Status of Adolescents and Adult PLWA on Anti-Retroviral Treatment, Attending Various Comprehensive Care Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing. Vol. 26, 2016. P. 76 -81.
95. Mulia WK., Mbakaya CFL., Makokha A., Mbugua GG., Kariuki JN., Muniu E., (2016). Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Treatment and Factors Associated with Optimal Adherence Among Adolescent and Adult PLWHA Attending Comprehensive Care Centers in Selected Hospitals in Nairobi County. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing. Vol. 29, 2016. P. 6 -12.

• Kariuki JN., Orina F., Githui WA., Mwangi M., Wanzala P., Kiptoo M., Sang WK. (2015). The role of monitoring and evaluation in assessing performance and progress in operational research in the EAPHLN Project in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS).. Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).
• Orina F., Githui WA., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Wanzala P., Kiptoo M., Sang WK. (2015). Application of barcode technology to enhance electronic quality-assured data collection and analysis in operational research EAPHLN Project in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).

2015. Kiptoo M., Orina F., Githui WA., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Wanzala P., Sang WK., (2015). Impact of research methodology and scientific writing course in transforming clinical and laboratory personnel to research scientists at the EAPHLN project study sites in Kenya African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). January 2015.  Volume 27 (4 supplement issue). 
2016. Sang WK.,Kiptoo M., Orina F., Githui WA., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Wanzala P.,. (2015). Emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns of enteric pathogens isolated from children under 5 years of age in five EAPHLNP satellite sites in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). January 2015. Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).
2017. Ogaro T., Githui WA., Kiptoo M., Orina F., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Wanzala P., Sang WK. (2015). Follow-up of HIV positive-sputum smear negative presumptive tuberculosis patients from EAPHLN project sites in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). January 2015. Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).

• Orina F., Githui WA., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Wanzala P., Kiptoo M., Sang WK. (2015). Effect of sputum quality on Xpert® MTB/RIF results in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum specimens of persons presumed to have TB in EAPHLN project study sites in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). January 2015. Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).
• Wanzala P., Orina F., Githui WA., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Kiptoo M., Sang WK., (2015). Inter and Intra repeatability clinical signs and symptoms in comparison with laboratory results in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients from  EAPHLN project study sites in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). January 2015.  Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).
• Githui WA., Orina F., Kariuki JN., Mwangi M., Wanzala P., Kiptoo M., Sang WK. (2015). Performance of Ziehl-Neelsen Microscopy, Light Emitting Diode –FM and Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of Tuberculosis in People with presumptive TB from EAPHLNP study sites in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS). January 2015. Volume 27 (4 supplement issue).

4. Achievements./Milestones- State what you identify as achievement or milestone and all will be consolidated to represent the centre

Products and services offered

Consultancies services offered include:

• Data management, visualization and packaging
• Statistical analysis
• Database management setup and data backup
• Systematic reviews and meta analysis

7. Partners and collaborations

Knowledge Management & Knowledge Translation Project	Division of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation & Learning, Ministry of Health National Research Fund (NRF) County Governments of Bungoma, Isiolo, Kisumu, Makueni, Nyandarua, and Taita Taveta African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) Kijabe Hospital, Kenya Center for Evidence Studies, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Makerere University, Uganda
Public Private Partnerships in Health Service Provision Project	National AIDS Control Council (NACC), Kenya School of Business, University of Nairobi
Road Traffic Injuries & Related Trauma Project	National Transport  and Safety Authority (NTSA) Division of Non-communicable Diseases (NCD), Ministry of Health School of Public Health, Kenyatta University
Regional East Africa Community, health collaborative initiatives	Health Department, East Africa Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania East Africa Health Research Commission (EAHRC), Bujumbura, Burundi
East Africa Public Health Laboratories Networking  (EAPHLN) Project	World Health Organization (WHO) National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), Ministry of Health County Governments of Busia, Likipia, Kilifi, Kitale, Narok, and Nyamira Health Department, East Africa Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania East Central Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), Arusha, Tanzania
Assessment of Technology Utilization of Health and Research Information In Kirinyaga County Project	County Department of Health, Kirinyaga County
Kenya  Health Data & Research Organization (KHRO) Technical working group	Strathmore University, School of Informatics & Computing, University of Nairobi, Division of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation & Learning, Ministry of Health World Health Organization (WHO), HealthIT Project

Research Scientist, Center for Public Health Research-Health Systems Research Unit 

Contact Address: P.O. Box 20752, 00202 Nairobi

Email: moc.liamgobfsctd@19norahsaukom OR gro.irmekobfsctd@aukoms

Education background:

• Master of Science in Global health and Management, University of Aberdeen
• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Nairobi.

Career interests:

Global health research professional with keen interest in Health innovations, Implementation science, Non-communicable diseases, Sexual, reproductive, maternal and child health including health systems research. Three years’ experience in developing, implementing and managing quantitative and qualitative research in public health.

ONGOING RESEARCH

1. Project research coordinator- An investigation of the Feasibility, Acceptability, Usability and Utilization of a Medication Management System and its Effect on Selected Health Outcomes Among HIV Patients with Comorbid Hypertension or Diabetes in Selected Facilities in Kenya [MMS Project]- IBM research Grant -08/2018 to Present

 

The study aims to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and utilization of the medication management system and its effect on selected health outcomes among adult HIV patients with comorbid hypertension and /or diabetes receiving care in selected county health facilities in Kenya. The specific aims of the project are to 1.To explore the feasibility of the use of the medication management system in data sharing with selected patients and health care providers (2)To explore acceptability and usability of the medication management system by both patients and healthcare professionals in the management of patients with HIV, diabetes, and hypertension,(3)To determine the level and factors associated with utilization of the medication management system,(4)To determine the level of compliance to the medication regimen among patient usersof the medication management system,(5)To explore the factors contributing to compliance and non-compliance to medication regimen and utilization of the medication management system,(6) To compare the levels of compliance to treatment, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), electrolyte levels, and viral load between the HIV patients with diabetes and hypertension enrolled in the medication management system intervention site (experimental arm) and those enrolled in non-intervention site (control arm),(7) To explore experiences, lessons, feasibility, and sustainability of the MMS.

 

 

2. Project research coordinator– Linking industrial and social innovation for inclusive development in health care: An investigation of the case of cancer care in Kenya [ICCA project] Open University research Grant -03/2019-Present

The overall objective of the study is to establish practical scenarios that link innovation in industry and health sectors to widen access to cancer care in Kenya specifically aiming to explore the current local industrial capabilities and their potential linkages with India and UK in support of cancer care, to investigate factors that influence access to cancer care to explore lower costs options for cancer care and to explore scenarios to strengthen industrial-health cooperation for improved access to cancer care.

 

 

COMPLETED RESEARCH SUPPORT

1. Co-Principal investigator– A rapid situation analysis on population needs for universal health coverage in government selected Pilot Counties, Kenya

IRG KEMRI 01/2019- 08/2019

Major Goal(s): The overall goal of the project was to explore population-driven needs for an effective Universal Health Coverage program in the selected pilot counties of Isiolo, Kisumu, Machakos, and Nyeri. This included assessing the challenges at levels 2 and 3 facilities, so that they can be strengthened to reduce influx in levels 4 and 5 facilities and assessment of actual heath workforce.

 

2. Co-Investigator– An assessment of the impact of delivering ICCM and maternal and newborn care interventions using an innovative community health model in Busia County, Kenya

 Living Goods Funding- 2018

Major Goals: The overall objective of the project was to evaluate the impact of implementing ICCM of malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, as well as core MNCH interventions and malaria case management for under five using the LG community health model

 

3. Co-Investigator– Makueni County health workers’ capacity to acquire, summarize and adopt research evidence for decision making processes

IRG Grant –KEMRI- 09/2017- 08 /2018

Major Goals: The main goal of the project was to assess Makueni County Health workers’ capacity to acquire and summarize previous research outputs (knowledge management), to identify barriers associated with adoption of research outputs among the health workers (knowledge translation) and to develop a research utilization model that would assist in incorporating evidence to inform priority decision making in health service delivery in Makueni County.

 

CONFERENCES

1. Universal Health Coverage and Primary Health Care strategy for Nationwide Implementation in Kenya (population health and health system strengthening)

 

An additional contribution to achieving healthcare for all, with a team of experts, I documented the significant role of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in creating the bridge between the formal health system and the community. The vital role of CHVs in strengthening PHC in the health systems, many a times, has been overlooked. CHVs are better placed to increase the reach and to foster the UHC agenda to the community. The study emphasized on going back to the basics of PHC with a shift from the traditional healthcare models to community-based models, addressing CHVs motivation factors and the potential for strategic innovative interventions focused on the provision of PHC that can be leveraged on the CHVs.

 

Sharon M. Zipporah B., James K.,Priscah O.,David M.,Richard M., Lillian N., Joseph M.,Mercy K., David K.,Elizabeth E.Back  to the basics: The role  of CHVs in UHC implementation in Kenya:Lessons for future implementation and roll out (May, 2019) Paper presented at the The Third Kenya National UHC Conference  Kisumu, Kenya.

 

2. Evidence to inform strategies for addressing health disparities and social determinants of health l gap globally

 

My initial work in research has addressed issues surrounding cancer and the intricacies of cancer control in developing and developed countries. As the principal investigator, I undertook a systematic review of the literature on rurality and cancer survival. The evidence found that rural-urban disparities in cancer survival are alarming and need to be addressed especially in low and middle income countries. More so, this era has seen a great epidemiological shift and health systems need to quickly adapt. The abstract presentation at the KASH Conference highlighted the emerging problem but also gave guidance to everyone to recognize this shift. The findings showed that the issue at hand is, in fact, one of access. “Better access to affordable health care financing, better access to curative and support services, better access to specialists, improved resources for traveling to receive care, and innovative new ways to ensure a prolonged life for cancer survivors especially interventions targeting rural patients who are at more disadvantage.

By providing this evidence and future strategies this, body of work has shifted focus towards addressing the Non-Communicable disease problem and will continue to from a strong evidence base for future cancer control efforts.

 

Sharon M. (2018, February). Does Rurality Lead to Poorer Cancer Survival in Both Developed and Developing Countries? A Systematic Review. Paper presented at the 8th Annual KEMRI Annual Scientific & Health Conference (KASH) Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved from: https://www.kemri.go.ke/images/joomlart/documents/KASH%208%20Abstract%20Book%20Revised%20for%20web%20pdf.pdf

 

 

3. In addition to the work above, I was able to spearhead the research on a situation analysis of population needs in 4 pilot counties in Kenya and one component that I documented was the lingering issue on determinants of health as a barrier towards the implementation and achievement UHC in Kenya. The study showed that expanding just coverage and access to essential healthcare is necessary but not sufficient to progressively realize health for all because Social Health Determinants (SDHs) affect access and coverage of essential health interventions, directly affect health, including the shaping of social norms and behavior. Overall, this research has contributed towards efforts in prioritizing SDHs for individual patients and for communities, intervening without medicalizing SDHs and how to build multi-sector partnerships.

 

Sharon M. Zipporah B., James K., Priscah O., David M., Richard M., Lillian N., Joseph M., Mercy K., David K.,Elizabeth E,.(2019, August) Making health everybody’s business: Addressing key health determinants as a responsive approach for the implementation of UHC. . Paper presented at the Symposium on Partnerships, Policy and Systems Developments for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Kampala, Uganda.

 

PARTNERS

1. The Open University (United Kingdom)
2. The University of Sussex
3. Economic and Social Research Foundation of Tanzania
4. University College London, UK
5. The University of Edinburgh of the United Kingdom
6. The National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, India.

 

I am a global health graduate currently working in KEMRI as a Research Scientist with a keen

interest in health systems and policy research, sexual, reproductive, adolescent, and maternal

and child health and non-communicable diseases.

 

 I have three years’ experience in successfully identifying, developing, implementing and managing quantitative and qualitative research projects in public health both as a Co-Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator. As a Co-Principal Investigator, I have managed the inception, development, implementation and dissemination of a Kenyan National funded study “A rapid situation analysis on population needs for Universal Health Coverage in government selected pilot counties, Kenya” which has contributed to evidence on how best to ensure entire population health coverage for Kenyans.

 

Additionally, I have worked in a team to assess the impact of delivering ICCM and maternal and

newborn care interventions using an innovative community health model in Busia County,

Kenya where the findings have contributed greatly to strengthening Primary Health Care in

Kenya. I am currently coordinating and working on two multi-institutional, multicounty and multi-

country funded research projects focused on innovation in the management of Non-

Communicable diseases. These include “Linking industrial and social innovation for inclusive

development in cancer care”. (ICCA- Kenya Project) and “An investigation of the feasibility,

acceptability, usability and utilization of a medication management system and its effect on

selected health outcomes among HIV patients with comorbid hypertension or diabetes in

selected facilities in Kenya”. Through these varied experience and exposure to various projects,

I am have unceasingly developed expertise in supporting implementation projects, collaboration

and continuous innovation of health system strengthening projects.