Author: alphyjuma

By Jeanne d’Arc Munezero Malaria has a considerable impact on developing countries’ populations’ health. To bridge the gap, endemic districts have become the target of a national drive for malaria vector control using Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). According to the World Health Organization, the life-threatening disease kills roughly 600,000 people globally each year, mostly children who are vulnerable. It sickens more than 200 million people. Further, in 2015, malaria was the leading cause of death among children under five mostly in the Southern and Eastern Provinces. Dr Emmanuel Hakizimana, the Director of Vector Control at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) says that, although…

By Pauline Achieng Tom @pauline_tom -June 9 2023 Access to clinically accurate information is a significant barrier for many mothers, preventing them from making informed choices regarding when and where to seek care during and after pregnancy. Further, lack of awareness about potential complications or the need for urgent medical attention many times leads to delays in seeking proper care, resulting into a severe consequence for both the mother and the baby. In order to advance positive maternal and child health outcomes Jacaranda Health, a non-profit organization, is working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health and county governments to connect…

By Samwel Doe Ouma- June 7 2023 For long mental health has been hidden behind the curtain of stigma and discrimination despite one in every four individuals living with a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization (W.H.O). The Taskforce on Mental Health report formed by President Kenyatta in 2019, reported that 25percent of individuals visiting outpatient health facilities and 40 percent of those receiving inpatient care have an undiagnosed mental illness, making the situation even more alarming than most would like to admit. However, Chiromo Hospital Group- a group of psychiatric facilities with the only private sector…

By Polycarp Ochieng – 5th June 2023 In the scenic Nyasoko village in Suna West, Migori County, nestled within the vibrant Luo community in Kenya, lies a tale of strength, courage, and transformation.  A group of widows have defied tradition and societal norms of wife inheritance to create a brighter future for their community. Unveiling the shadows, Mary (not her real name) a young widow, found herself at the crossroads of tradition and personal freedom. However, she longed for a different path, one that would empower her and safeguard her health. Standing amidst a gathering of widows, her mind wandered…

May 4, 2023 By Polycarp Ochieng Post-Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) is among the leading causes of maternal mortality in Kenya, contributing to 34% of maternal deaths. World Health Organisation (WHO) defines PPH as losing more than 500 millilitres (ml) of blood 24 hours after vaginal birth, and more than 100 ml of blood after a caesarean (C-section) birth. Similarly, PPH can also be defined as excessive bleeding and loss of blood occurring shortly after giving birth. The condition is commonly caused by the uterus not contracting properly after birth. Migori County is among the 15 counties in Kenya grappling with the…

Published on March 31, 2023 By Gaston K. Rwaka The campaign to fight and eradicate HIV spread in the country by the government and other private organizations is bearing fruits with the most vulnerable sections of society like sex workers taking this fight in their own hands to save themselves and live positively. Sex workers are now forming leadership cells among themselves. The cells are being used to sensitize them on using protection, embracing medication as prescribed by health personnel, taking a balanced diet and positive living. It is due to such efforts that government statistics indicate that the HIV…

Published on March 21, 2023 Germain Nsanzimana At GS Busigari, a mixed primary-secondary, located in rural Cyanzarwe sector, Rubavu district, western Rwanda, it is around 11am. It is break time, marked by the usual deafening noise as students play in the large compound. But for one 12year-old girl, it is not a good day, as she sleeps on a bed inside a secluded well-kept room. The teenager is going through her monthly menstrual cycle, according to a teacher on duty, who regularly comes to check on the girl. Negative societal beliefs about menstruation, contributes to restrictions women and girls face…

By Elizabeth Ankunda 4th April 2023 The Government of Uganda has over the years invested in a concerted effort towards the immunization of children to protect them from killer diseases as a preventive approach of fighting disease. However, the efforts are still thwarted by a number of hindrances especially in the hard to reach rural areas. It is upon this back ground that development partners like the United Nations Children’s Agency (UNICEF) partnered with the Ministry of Health to push their mandate of ensuring that all children are accorded with equal opportunities to a happy healthy childhood. Last year, the Government…

Published on March 16, 2023 By Pauline Achieng Tom @Pauline­_tom In Vihiga County, Wandanya sub-location- Mambai village the ministry of health (MOH) in lieu of community health workers conducted the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) to the members of the community in a bid to curb malaria. However, According to Rose Asiri, a Community health worker at Mambai village, despite over 90 percent of households within the village have received free mosquito nets, many cases were still being reported to the dispensaries and hospitals. “We noticed that malaria cases were still high even after the distribution of mosquito nets…

By Jeanne d’Arc Munezero 8th March 2023 After the 1994 war, a percentage of mothers in rural communities of Rwanda gave birth at home because access to health care facilities was a challenge. Expectant mothers were assisted to deliver by traditional birth attendants who were not medically trained. Josephine Mukakalisa, a mother of four in Mwiri Sector, Kayonza District says that gave birth at home because she would not race to the nearest health facility located 5-kilometers away from the village. After some days, she got exposed to a high risk of pregnancy related infections, because her wounds were not…