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It is now widely acknowledged that low- and middle-income countries in Africa are among global hotspots for high vulnerability to climate change, despite making comparatively low contributions to this phenomenon. Climate change has been shown to affect mental health as a result of disruption of social and economic structures that populations depend on for good health, including mental health. After decades of neglect, recent efforts by governments such as in Kenya to address the twin issues of climate change and mental health demonstrate the growing importance of these issues. Here we briefly review the evidence of climate change impacts on mental health in Africa and demonstrate that there is need for more contextual awareness and research in this area in Africa to mitigate or forestall potential mental health crises in the near future. We recommend systematic efforts to support funding for research and interventions at the nexus between climate change and mental health in Africa, and urge institutions and governments in Africa to begin paying attention to this emerging threat to the health of African populations.

No abstract.

The 2022 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paints a dark picture of the future of life on earth, characterised by ecosystem collapse, species extinction, and climate hazards such as heatwaves and floods (1). These are all linked to physical and mental health problems, with direct and indirect consequences of increased morbidity and mortality.COP27 is the fifth Conference of the Parties (COP) to be organised in Africa since its inception in 1995. Ahead of this meeting, we—as health journal editors from across the continent—call for urgent action to ensure it is the COP that finally delivers climate justice for Africa and vulnerable countries. This is essential not just for the health of those countries, but for the health of the whole world.

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Introduction:globally, human rights violations of persons with mental health conditions are rampant, and the quality of mental health services below that for general health services. The aim of this paper is to document the findings of an assessment of the quality of mental health services at the largest mental hospital in Kenya, and offer recommendations useful for service transformation. Methods:this was a cross-sectional study. Assessment was conducted guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) QualityRights Tool Kit, which assesses for compliance with five human rights themes drawn from the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Trained assessors collected data through document review, observation, and interviews with hospital staff and service users at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. The sample was composed of 64 interviewees. Results:overall, the facility was scored as “achievement initiated” indicating that there was evidence that steps had been taken to fulfil the five human rights themes but significant improvements were necessary. Five key gaps emerged: 1) the buildings and infrastructure were in a state of disrepair; 2) staffing was inadequate; 3) patients had no right to legal capacity; 4) there was gross neglect of patients as well as physical and verbal abuse; 5) there were no strategies in place to support community reintegration and independent living. Conclusion:significant improvements to infrastructure, staffing, and the quality of services are needed before the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital meets the requirements of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Despite electronic medical record (EMR) systems being in existence since 1972, it’s only recently that governments worldwide have begun to encourage digitalization of medical records (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, n.d.). With EMR systems being the current way of hospital management and also delivering healthcare in Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), there is need for a review of their impact and to understand the challenges faced in their adaptation and use. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of EMR on healthcare delivery in KTRH. A cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out in KTRH among healthcare providers. An interview guide was used to collect data which was coded and analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed that the EMR systems have led to an increase in the productivity of healthcare delivery, better clinical decision making and better collaboration between healthcare providers. The major challenges identified were shortage of funding for the adaptation and utilization of the EMR systems, computer illiteracy among staff and shortage of ICT staff in the facility. The EMR systems in KTRH have had a great impact on health care delivery system by increasing collaboration between personnel, increased productivity of health care providers bringing about patient and provider satisfaction. There is need to increase the amount of funding for the utilization of the systems, to employ more ICT staff and carry out refresher training to the staff so as to increase the benefits of the EMR systems and tackle the shortcomings.

Procurement of pharmaceutical drugs plays a crucial role in management of health. It was observed there was lack of some drugs in Narok County Referral Hospital (NCRH) and it caused a strain on the patients. The patients have to buy the prescribed medication from chemists and pharmacies outside the hospital which is very expensive. The availability of drugs is crucial in the functioning of any hospital. For there to be continuity of flow of drugs, their procurement procedure is essential and objectives should be considered in the procurement of pharmaceutical drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting the procurement of pharmaceutical drugs in Narok County Referral Hospital. Descriptive crosssectional study was carried out at NCRH. Key personnel strategically positioned to integrate with the procurement process of pharmaceutical drugs were included in the study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and later transcribed to notes. Themes were deductively analysed before being presented in prose. The study revealed that the procurement procedures in NCRH followed the recommended guidelines. Major challenges included bureaucracy, poor quantification, inadequate transportation options and lack of skilled personnel. The main factors facing the procurement of drugs in NCRH were inadequate funding resulting in delay in paying the suppliers and poor quantification. The study recommended that checks and measures should be included, thorough auditing to avoid misappropriation of funds and provide accountability and transparency. Inventory management training by government is needed to equip the staff with knowledge and skills on use and management of the various registers and forms for proper quantification.