1,064 results on '"Munga SO"'
Search Results
2. The influence of malaria control interventions and climate variability on changes in the geographical distribution of parasite prevalence in Kenya between 2015 and 2020
- Author
-
Nyawanda, Bryan O., Khagayi, Sammy, Ochomo, Eric, Bigogo, Godfrey, Kariuki, Simon, Munga, Stephen, and Vounatsou, Penelope
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Predictive modelling of linear growth faltering among pediatric patients with Diarrhea in Rural Western Kenya: an explainable machine learning approach
- Author
-
Billy Ogwel, Vincent H. Mzazi, Alex O. Awuor, Caleb Okonji, Raphael O. Anyango, Caren Oreso, John B. Ochieng, Stephen Munga, Dilruba Nasrin, Kirkby D. Tickell, Patricia B. Pavlinac, Karen L. Kotloff, and Richard Omore
- Subjects
Machine learning ,Linear growth faltering ,Pediatric ,Diarrhea ,Prediction ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 - Abstract
Abstract Introduction Stunting affects one-fifth of children globally with diarrhea accounting for an estimated 13.5% of stunting. Identifying risk factors for its precursor, linear growth faltering (LGF), is critical to designing interventions. Moreover, developing new predictive models for LGF using more recent data offers opportunity to enhance model accuracy, interpretability and capture new insights. We employed machine learning (ML) to derive and validate a predictive model for LGF among children enrolled with diarrhea in the Vaccine Impact on Diarrhea in Africa (VIDA) study and the Enterics for Global Heath (EFGH) ― Shigella study in rural western Kenya. Methods We used 7 diverse ML algorithms to retrospectively build prognostic models for the prediction of LGF (≥ 0.5 decrease in height/length for age z-score [HAZ]) among children 6–35 months. We used de-identified data from the VIDA study (n = 1,106) combined with synthetic data (n = 8,894) in model development, which entailed split-sampling and K-fold cross-validation with over-sampling technique, and data from EFGH-Shigella study (n = 655) for temporal validation. Potential predictors (n = 65) included demographic, household-level characteristics, illness history, anthropometric and clinical data were identified using boruta feature selection with an explanatory model analysis used to enhance interpretability. Results The prevalence of LGF in the development and temporal validation cohorts was 187 (16.9%) and 147 (22.4%), respectively. Feature selection identified the following 6 variables used in model development, ranked by importance: age (16.6%), temperature (6.0%), respiratory rate (4.1%), SAM (3.4%), rotavirus vaccination (3.3%), and skin turgor (2.1%). While all models showed good prediction capability, the gradient boosting model achieved the best performance (area under the curve % [95% Confidence Interval]: 83.5 [81.6–85.4] and 65.6 [60.8–70.4]) on the development and temporal validation datasets, respectively. Conclusion Our findings accentuate the enduring relevance of established predictors of LGF whilst demonstrating the practical utility of ML algorithms for rapid identification of at-risk children.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. The influence of malaria control interventions and climate variability on changes in the geographical distribution of parasite prevalence in Kenya between 2015 and 2020
- Author
-
Bryan O. Nyawanda, Sammy Khagayi, Eric Ochomo, Godfrey Bigogo, Simon Kariuki, Stephen Munga, and Penelope Vounatsou
- Subjects
Bayesian inference ,Geostatistical modelling ,Malaria indicator survey ,Variable selection ,Zero-inflated malaria models ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 - Abstract
Abstract Background The burden of malaria in Kenya was showing a declining trend, but appears to have reached a plateau in recent years. This study estimated changes in the geographical distribution of malaria parasite risk in the country between the years 2015 and 2020, and quantified the contribution of malaria control interventions and climatic/ environmental factors to these changes. Methods Bayesian geostatistical models were used to analyse the Kenyan 2015 and 2020 Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) data. Bivariate models were fitted to identify the most important control intervention indicators and climatic/environmental predictors of parasitaemia risk by age groups (6–59 months and 5–14 years). Parasitaemia risk and the number of infected children were predicted over a 1 × 1 km2 grid. The probability of the decline in parasitaemia risk in 2020 compared to 2015 was also evaluated over the gridded surface and factors associated with changes in parasitaemia risk between the two surveys were evaluated. Results There was a significant decline in the coverage of most malaria indicators related to Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) and Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACT) interventions. Overall, there was a 31% and 26% reduction in malaria prevalence among children aged
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Understanding the Risk Factors, Burden, and Interventions for Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
- Author
-
Perla Boutros, Nour Kassem, Valentin Boudo, Ali Sié, Stephen Munga, Martina A. Maggioni, Marcin Golec, Robin Simion, Till Bärnighausen, Volker Winkler, and Sandra Barteit
- Subjects
COPD ,asthma ,low-and middle-income countries ,sub-Saharan Africa ,climate change ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to identify risk factors for COPD and asthma, examine the burden and intervention measures, and clarify the findings in the context of climate change, with a particular focus on LMICs.MethodsFollowing the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, focusing on studies published from 2011 to 2024.ResultsOur review included 52 studies that encompassed 244,004 participants. Predominantly conducted in SSA (n = 43, 83%) and Asia (n = 16, 31%), they address indoor and ambient air pollution, occupational hazards, and environmental conditions. Climate change exacerbates risks, varying regionally. SSA faces severe household and occupational exposures, while other LMICs deal with industrial and urban pollution. Stigma, social exclusion and economic burden underscore the necessity for intervention strategies (e.g., educational programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, low-emission cookstoves).ConclusionOur research shows a strong link between air pollution, occupational and environmental exposures, and the prevalence of COPD and asthma in LMICs. It suggests that targeted interventions are effective ways to mitigate these diseases and also highlights the significant impact of climate change on respiratory health.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Effect of the Growth Conditions on Organic Crystals with Rare Earth Ions and 1,10-Phenanthroline
- Author
-
Ashleigh K. Wilson, John Munga, Tori Furlow, Violet Macauley, Jordan Graham, Asia Jones, Chantel Johnson, and Natalia Noginova
- Subjects
Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. The effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on malaria mortality at different spatial scales in western Kenya, 2008–2019
- Author
-
Simon Kariuki, David Obor, Stephen Munga, Penelope Vounatsou, Godfrey Bigogo, Sammy Khagayi, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Steve B. Odhiambo, Anton Beloconi, and Nancy A. Otieno
- Subjects
Medicine (General) ,R5-920 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Background Malaria mortality is influenced by several factors including climatic and environmental factors, interventions, socioeconomic status (SES) and access to health systems. Here, we investigated the joint effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on under-five malaria mortality at different spatial scales using data from a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in western Kenya.Methods We fitted Bayesian spatiotemporal (zero-inflated) negative binomial models to monthly mortality data aggregated at the village scale and over the catchment areas of the health facilities within the HDSS, between 2008 and 2019. First order autoregressive temporal and conditional autoregressive spatial processes were included as random effects to account for temporal and spatial variation. Remotely sensed climatic and environmental variables, bed net use, SES, travel time to health facilities, proximity from water bodies/streams and altitude were included in the models to assess their association with malaria mortality.Results Increase in rainfall (mortality rate ratio (MRR)=1.12, 95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI): 1.04–1.20), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (MRR=1.16, 95% BCI: 1.06–1.28), crop cover (MRR=1.17, 95% BCI: 1.11–1.24) and travel time to the hospital (MRR=1.09, 95% BCI: 1.04–1.13) were associated with increased mortality, whereas increase in bed net use (MRR=0.84, 95% BCI: 0.70–1.00), distance to the nearest streams (MRR=0.89, 95% BCI: 0.83–0.96), SES (MRR=0.95, 95% BCI: 0.91–1.00) and altitude (MRR=0.86, 95% BCI: 0.81–0.90) were associated with lower mortality. The effects of travel time and SES were no longer significant when data was aggregated at the health facility catchment level.Conclusion Despite the relatively small size of the HDSS, there was spatial variation in malaria mortality that peaked every May–June. The rapid decline in malaria mortality was associated with bed nets, and finer spatial scale analysis identified additional important variables. Time and spatially targeted control interventions may be helpful, and fine spatial scales should be considered when data are available.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Assessment of Heat Exposure and Health Outcomes in Rural Populations of Western Kenya by Using Wearable Devices: Observational Case Study
- Author
-
Ina Matzke, Sophie Huhn, Mara Koch, Martina Anna Maggioni, Stephen Munga, Julius Okoth Muma, Collins Ochieng Odhiambo, Daniel Kwaro, David Obor, Till Bärnighausen, Peter Dambach, and Sandra Barteit
- Subjects
Information technology ,T58.5-58.64 ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
BackgroundClimate change increasingly impacts health, particularly of rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa due to their limited resources for adaptation. Understanding these impacts remains a challenge, as continuous monitoring of vital signs in such populations is limited. Wearable devices (wearables) present a viable approach to studying these impacts on human health in real time. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of consumer-grade wearables in measuring the health impacts of weather exposure on physiological responses (including activity, heart rate, body shell temperature, and sleep) of rural populations in western Kenya and to identify the health impacts associated with the weather exposures. MethodsWe conducted an observational case study in western Kenya by utilizing wearables over a 3-week period to continuously monitor various health metrics such as step count, sleep patterns, heart rate, and body shell temperature. Additionally, a local weather station provided detailed data on environmental conditions such as rainfall and heat, with measurements taken every 15 minutes. ResultsOur cohort comprised 83 participants (42 women and 41 men), with an average age of 33 years. We observed a positive correlation between step count and maximum wet bulb globe temperature (estimate 0.06, SE 0.02; P=.008). Although there was a negative correlation between minimum nighttime temperatures and heat index with sleep duration, these were not statistically significant. No significant correlations were found in other applied models. A cautionary heat index level was recorded on 194 (95.1%) of 204 days. Heavy rainfall (>20 mm/day) occurred on 16 (7.8%) out of 204 days. Despite 10 (21%) out of 47 devices failing, data completeness was high for sleep and step count (mean 82.6%, SD 21.3% and mean 86.1%, SD 18.9%, respectively), but low for heart rate (mean 7%, SD 14%), with adult women showing significantly higher data completeness for heart rate than men (2-sided t test: P=.003; Mann-Whitney U test: P=.001). Body shell temperature data achieved 36.2% (SD 24.5%) completeness. ConclusionsOur study provides a nuanced understanding of the health impacts of weather exposures in rural Kenya. Our study’s application of wearables reveals a significant correlation between physical activity levels and high temperature stress, contrasting with other studies suggesting decreased activity in hotter conditions. This discrepancy invites further investigation into the unique socioenvironmental dynamics at play, particularly in sub-Saharan African contexts. Moreover, the nonsignificant trends observed in sleep disruption due to heat expose the need for localized climate change mitigation strategies, considering the vital role of sleep in health. These findings emphasize the need for context-specific research to inform policy and practice in regions susceptible to the adverse health effects of climate change.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Urgent and long overdue: legal reform and drug decriminalization in Canada
- Author
-
Vanessa Gruben, Elaine Hyshka, Matthew Bonn, Chelsea Cox, Marilou Gagnon, Adrian Guta, Martha Jackman, Jason Mercredi, Akia Munga, Eugene Oscapella, Carol Strike, and Hakique Virani
- Subjects
drug policy ,harm reduction ,criminal law ,Education ,Science - Abstract
The International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy recommend that states commit to adopting a balanced, integrated, and human rights-based approach to drug policy through a set of foundational human rights principles, obligations arising from human rights standards, and obligations arising from the human rights of particular groups. In respect of the Guidelines and standing obligations under UN Treaties, Canada must adopt stronger and more specific commitments for a human rights-based, people-centered, and public health approach. This approach must commit to the decriminalization of people who use drugs and include the decriminalization of possession, purchase, and cultivation for personal consumption. In this report, we will first turn to the legal background of Canada's drug laws. Next, we will provide an overview of ongoing law reform proposals from civil society groups, various levels of government, the House of Commons, and the Senate. We end with a three-staged approach to reform and a series of targeted recommendationscr.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Dietary Mycotoxins: An Overview on Toxicokinetics, Toxicodynamics, Toxicity, Epidemiology, Detection, and Their Mitigation with Special Emphasis on Aflatoxicosis in Humans and Animals
- Author
-
James Kibugu, Leonard Munga, David Mburu, Fredrick Maloba, Joanna E. Auma, Delia Grace, and Johanna F. Lindahl
- Subjects
mycotoxins ,epidemiology ,aflatoxin ,toxicology ,toxicity ,detection ,Medicine - Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and ubiquitous dietary contaminants. Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins with high prevalence and toxicity, have raised a high level of public health concern, the most prevalent and toxic being aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Many aspects appertaining to AFB1 poisoning are not well understood. Yet this information is necessary to devise appropriate surveillance and mitigation strategies against human and animal aflatoxicosis. This review provides an in-depth update of work carried out on mycotoxin poisoning, particularly aflatoxicosis in humans and animals, to identify gaps in knowledge. Hypotheses explaining the functional significance of mycotoxins in fungal biology and their dietary epidemiological data are presented and briefly discussed. The toxicology of aflatoxins and the challenges of their mitigation are discussed in depth. It was concluded that the identification of potential mycotoxin-hazard-prone food items and quantification of the associated risk of cancer ailments in humans is a prime priority. There is a dearth of reliable sampling methodologies for estimating AFB1 in animal feed. Data update on AFB1 in animal feed and its implication in animal production, mitigation strategies, and elucidation of risk factors to this hazard is required. To reduce the burden of aflatoxins, surveillance employing predictive technology, and biocontrol strategies seem promising approaches.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Anthropogenic nutrients and phytoplankton diversity in Kenya's coastal waters: An ecological quality assessment of sea turtle foraging sites
- Author
-
Oduor, Nancy A., Munga, Cosmas N., Imbayi, Linet K., Botwe, Paul K., Nyanjong, Ezekiel O., Muthama, Charles M., Mise, Neville A., and Moosdorf, Nils
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Effects on reproductive and productive performance and meat quality in rabbit breeding
- Author
-
Stella Agradi, Majlind Sulce, Laura Menchetti, Daniele Vigo, Marta Castrica, Olimpia Barbato, Egon Andoni, Alda Quattrone, Albana Munga, Maria Laura Marongiu, Giulio Curone, and Gabriele Brecchia
- Subjects
Omega 3 ,Nutraceutical ,Linseed ,Fish oil ,Algae ,Animal culture ,SF1-1100 - Abstract
Rabbit breeding has many critical aspects related to reproduction, production, and animal welfare, which reduce its profitability as well as consumer attractiveness. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) seems to be a good nutritional strategy to improve several aspects of rabbit breeding, enhance animal welfare and produce a new functional food considered healthy for human consumption. For this reason, the main available scientific research regarding the physiological effects of n-3 PUFA rich products supplemented to the rabbit diet will be reviewed. In particular, consequences on the reproductive performances of both doe and buck, the productive parameters, and the meat quality will be analysed.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Evaluation of community-based vector surveillance system for routine entomological monitoring under low malaria vector densities and high bed net coverage in western Kenya
- Author
-
Bernard Abong’o, Michelle C. Stanton, Martin J. Donnelly, Eric Ochomo, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Aaron M. Samuels, Simon Kariuki, George Musula, Richard Oxborough, Stephen Munga, Steve J. Torr, and John E. Gimnig
- Subjects
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,RC955-962 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Entomological surveillance is traditionally conducted by supervised teams of trained technicians. However, it is expensive and limiting in the number of sites visited. Surveillance through community-based collectors (CBC) may be more cost-effective and sustainable for longitudinal entomological monitoring. This study evaluated the efficiency of CBCs in monitoring mosquito densities compared to quality-assured sampling conducted by experienced entomology technicians. Methods Entomological surveillance employing CBCs was conducted in eighteen clusters of villages in western Kenya using indoor and outdoor CDC light traps and indoor Prokopack aspiration. Sixty houses in each cluster were enrolled and sampled once every month. Collected mosquitoes were initially identified to the genus level by CBCs, preserved in 70% ethanol and transferred to the laboratory every 2 weeks. Parallel, collections by experienced entomology field technicians were conducted monthly by indoor and outdoor CDC light traps and indoor Prokopack aspiration and served as a quality assurance of the CBCs. Results Per collection, the CBCs collected 80% fewer Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) [RR = 0.2; (95% CI 0.14–0.27)] and Anopheles coustani [RR = 0.2; (95% CI 0.06–0.53)] and 90% fewer Anopheles funestus [RR = 0.1; (95% CI 0.08–0.19)] by CDC light traps compared to the quality assured (QA) entomology teams. Significant positive correlations were however observed between the monthly collections by CBCs and QA teams for both An. gambiae and An. funestus. In paired identifications of pooled mosquitoes, the CBCs identified 4.3 times more Anopheles compared to experienced technicians. The cost per person-night was lower in the community-based sampling at $9.1 compared to $89.3 by QA per collection effort. Conclusion Unsupervised community-based mosquito surveillance collected substantially fewer mosquitoes per trap-night compared to quality-assured collection by experienced field teams, while consistently overestimating the number of Anopheles mosquitoes during identification. However, the numbers collected were significantly correlated between the CBCs and the QA teams suggesting that trends observed by CBCs and QA teams were similar. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether adopting low-cost, devolved supervision with spot checks, coupled with remedial training of the CBCs, can improve community-based collections to be considered a cost-effective alternative to surveillance conducted by experienced entomological technicians.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Comprehensive Empirical Evaluation of Deep Learning Approaches for Session-based Recommendation in E-Commerce
- Author
-
Maher, Mohamed, Ngoy, Perseverance Munga, Rebriks, Aleksandrs, Ozcinar, Cagri, Cuevas, Josue, Sanagavarapu, Rajasekhar, and Anbarjafari, Gholamreza
- Subjects
Computer Science - Information Retrieval ,Computer Science - Computers and Society ,Computer Science - Multimedia - Abstract
Boosting sales of e-commerce services is guaranteed once users find more matching items to their interests in a short time. Consequently, recommendation systems have become a crucial part of any successful e-commerce services. Although various recommendation techniques could be used in e-commerce, a considerable amount of attention has been drawn to session-based recommendation systems during the recent few years. This growing interest is due to the security concerns in collecting personalized user behavior data, especially after the recent general data protection regulations. In this work, we present a comprehensive evaluation of the state-of-the-art deep learning approaches used in the session-based recommendation. In session-based recommendation, a recommendation system counts on the sequence of events made by a user within the same session to predict and endorse other items that are more likely to correlate with his/her preferences. Our extensive experiments investigate baseline techniques (\textit{e.g.,} nearest neighbors and pattern mining algorithms) and deep learning approaches (\textit{e.g.,} recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and attention-based networks). Our evaluations show that advanced neural-based models and session-based nearest neighbor algorithms outperform the baseline techniques in most of the scenarios. However, we found that these models suffer more in case of long sessions when there exists drift in user interests, and when there is no enough data to model different items correctly during training. Our study suggests that using hybrid models of different approaches combined with baseline algorithms could lead to substantial results in session-based recommendations based on dataset characteristics. We also discuss the drawbacks of current session-based recommendation algorithms and further open research directions in this field., Comment: 48 pages, 17 figures, journal
- Published
- 2020
15. Evaluation of community-based vector surveillance system for routine entomological monitoring under low malaria vector densities and high bed net coverage in western Kenya
- Author
-
Abong’o, Bernard, Stanton, Michelle C., Donnelly, Martin J., Ochomo, Eric, ter Kuile, Feiko O., Samuels, Aaron M., Kariuki, Simon, Musula, George, Oxborough, Richard, Munga, Stephen, Torr, Steve J., and Gimnig, John E.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Malaria, climate variability, and interventions: modelling transmission dynamics
- Author
-
Beloconi, Anton, Nyawanda, Bryan O., Bigogo, Godfrey, Khagayi, Sammy, Obor, David, Danquah, Ina, Kariuki, Simon, Munga, Stephen, and Vounatsou, Penelope
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Malaria control and elimination in Kenya: economy-wide benefits and regional disparities
- Author
-
Elnour, Zuhal, Grethe, Harald, Siddig, Khalid, and Munga, Stephen
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Insecticide resistance exerts significant fitness costs in immature stages of Anopheles gambiae in western Kenya.
- Author
-
Osoro, Joyce K, Machani, Maxwell G, Ochomo, Eric, Wanjala, Christine, Omukunda, Elizabeth, Munga, Stephen, Githeko, Andrew K, Yan, Guiyun, and Afrane, Yaw A
- Subjects
Anopheles gambiae ,Fitness ,Insecticide resistance ,Larval life-traits ,Tropical Medicine ,Microbiology ,Medical Microbiology ,Public Health and Health Services - Abstract
BackgroundDespite increasing documentation of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors against public health insecticides in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a paucity of information on the potential fitness costs of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors, which is important in improving the current resistant management strategies. This study aimed to assess the fitness cost effects of insecticide resistance on the development and survival of immature Anopheles gambiae from western Kenya.MethodsTwo-hour old, first instar larvae (L1) were introduced and raised in basins containing soil and rainwater in a semi-field set-up. Each day the number of surviving individuals per larval stage was counted and their stage of development were recorded until they emerged as adults. The larval life-history trait parameters measured include mean larval development time, daily survival and pupal emergence. Pyrethroid-resistant colony of An. gambiae sensu stricto and susceptible colony originating from the same site and with the same genetic background were used. Kisumu laboratory susceptible colony was used as a reference.ResultsThe resistant colony had a significantly longer larval development time through the developmental stages than the susceptible colony. The resistant colony took an average of 2 days longer to develop from first instar (L1) to fourth instar (L4) (8.8 ± 0.2 days) compared to the susceptible colony (6.6 ± 0.2 days). The development time from first instar to pupa formation was significantly longer by 3 days in the resistant colony (10.28 ± 0.3 days) than in susceptible colony (7.5 ± 0.2 days). The time from egg hatching to adult emergence was significantly longer for the resistant colony (12.1 ± 0.3 days) than the susceptible colony (9.6 ± 0.2 days). The pupation rate (80%; 95% (CI: 77.5-83.6) vs 83.5%; 95% (CI: 80.6-86.3)) and adult emergence rate (86.3% vs 92.8%) did not differ between the resistant and susceptible colonies, respectively. The sex ratio of the females to males for the resistant (1:1.2) and susceptible colonies (1:1.07) was significantly different.ConclusionThe study showed that pyrethroid resistance in An. gambiae had a fitness cost on their pre-imaginal development time and survival. Insecticide resistance delayed the development and reduced the survivorship of An. gambiae larvae. The study findings are important in understanding the fitness cost of insecticide resistance vectors that could contribute to shaping resistant management strategies.
- Published
- 2021
19. Malaria, climate variability, and interventions: modelling transmission dynamics
- Author
-
Anton Beloconi, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Godfrey Bigogo, Sammy Khagayi, David Obor, Ina Danquah, Simon Kariuki, Stephen Munga, and Penelope Vounatsou
- Subjects
Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Assessment of the relative impact of climate change on malaria dynamics is a complex problem. Climate is a well-known factor that plays a crucial role in driving malaria outbreaks in epidemic transmission areas. However, its influence in endemic environments with intensive malaria control interventions is not fully understood, mainly due to the scarcity of high-quality, long-term malaria data. The demographic surveillance systems in Africa offer unique platforms for quantifying the relative effects of weather variability on the burden of malaria. Here, using a process-based stochastic transmission model, we show that in the lowlands of malaria endemic western Kenya, variations in climatic factors played a key role in driving malaria incidence during 2008–2019, despite high bed net coverage and use among the population. The model captures some of the main mechanisms of human, parasite, and vector dynamics, and opens the possibility to forecast malaria in endemic regions, taking into account the interaction between future climatic conditions and intervention scenarios.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Malaria control and elimination in Kenya: economy-wide benefits and regional disparities
- Author
-
Zuhal Elnour, Harald Grethe, Khalid Siddig, and Stephen Munga
- Subjects
Malaria ,Household welfare ,Economic performance ,CGE analysis ,Human health ,Public health policy ,Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,RC955-962 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Malaria remains a public health problem in Kenya despite several concerted control efforts. Empirical evidence regarding malaria effects in Kenya suggests that the disease imposes substantial economic costs, jeopardizing the achievement of sustainable development goals. The Kenya Malaria Strategy (2019–2023), which is currently being implemented, is one of several sequential malaria control and elimination strategies. The strategy targets reducing malaria incidences and deaths by 75% of the 2016 levels by 2023 through spending around Kenyan Shillings 61.9 billion over 5 years. This paper assesses the economy-wide implications of implementing this strategy. Methods An economy-wide simulation model is calibrated to a comprehensive 2019 database for Kenya, considering different epidemiological zones. Two scenarios are simulated with the model. The first scenario (GOVT) simulates the annual costs of implementing the Kenya Malaria Strategy by increasing government expenditure on malaria control and elimination programmes. The second scenario (LABOR) reduces malaria incidences by 75% in all epidemiological malaria zones without accounting for the changes in government expenditure, which translates into rising the household labour endowment (benefits of the strategy). Results Implementing the Kenya Malaria Strategy (2019–2023) enhances gross domestic product at the end of the strategy implementation period due to more available labour. In the short term, government health expenditure (direct malaria costs) increases significantly, which is critical in controlling and eliminating malaria. Expanding the health sector raises the demand for production factors, such as labour and capital. The prices for these factors rise, boosting producer and consumer prices of non-health-related products. Consequently, household welfare decreases during the strategy implementation period. In the long run, household labour endowment increases due to reduced malaria incidences and deaths (indirect malaria costs). However, the size of the effects varies across malaria epidemiological and agroecological zones depending on malaria prevalence and factor ownership. Conclusions This paper provides policymakers with an ex-ante assessment of the implications of malaria control and elimination on household welfare across various malaria epidemiological zones. These insights assist in developing and implementing related policy measures that reduce the undesirable effects in the short run. Besides, the paper supports an economically beneficial long-term malaria control and elimination effect.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Insecticide resistance status of indoor and outdoor resting malaria vectors in a highland and lowland site in Western Kenya.
- Author
-
Owuor, Kevin O, Machani, Maxwell G, Mukabana, Wolfgang R, Munga, Stephen O, Yan, Guiyun, Ochomo, Eric, and Afrane, Yaw A
- Subjects
General Science & Technology - Abstract
BackgroundLong Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) represent powerful tools for controlling malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. The success of these interventions relies on their capability to inhibit indoor feeding and resting of malaria mosquitoes. This study sought to understand the interaction of insecticide resistance with indoor and outdoor resting behavioral responses of malaria vectors from Western Kenya.MethodsThe status of insecticide resistance among indoor and outdoor resting anopheline mosquitoes was compared in Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Kisumu and Bungoma counties in Western Kenya. The level and intensity of resistance were measured using WHO-tube and CDC-bottle bioassays, respectively. The synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was used to determine if metabolic activity (monooxygenase enzymes) explained the resistance observed. The mutations at the voltage-gated sodium channel (Vgsc) gene and Ace 1 gene were characterized using PCR methods. Microplate assays were used to measure levels of detoxification enzymes if present.ResultsA total of 1094 samples were discriminated within Anopheles gambiae s.l. and 289 within An. funestus s.l. In Kisian (Kisumu county), the dominant species was Anopheles arabiensis 75.2% (391/520) while in Kimaeti (Bungoma county) collections the dominant sibling species was Anopheles gambiae s.s 96.5% (554/574). The An. funestus s.l samples analysed were all An. funestus s.s from both sites. Pyrethroid resistance of An.gambiae s.l F1 progeny was observed in all sites. Lower mortality was observed against deltamethrin for the progeny of indoor resting mosquitoes compared to outdoor resting mosquitoes (Mortality rate: 37% vs 51%, P = 0.044). The intensity assays showed moderate-intensity resistance to deltamethrin in the progeny of mosquitoes collected from indoors and outdoors in both study sites. In Kisian, the frequency of vgsc-L1014S and vgsc-L1014F mutation was 0.14 and 0.19 respectively in indoor resting malaria mosquitoes while those of the outdoor resting mosquitoes were 0.12 and 0.12 respectively. The ace 1 mutation was present in higher frequency in the F1 of mosquitoes resting indoors (0.23) compared to those of mosquitoes resting outdoors (0.12). In Kimaeti, the frequencies of vgsc-L1014S and vgsc-L1014F were 0.75 and 0.05 respectively for the F1 of mosquitoes collected indoors whereas those of outdoor resting ones were 0.67 and 0.03 respectively. The ace 1 G119S mutation was present in progeny of mosquitoes from Kimaeti resting indoors (0.05) whereas it was absent in those resting outdoors. Monooxygenase activity was elevated by 1.83 folds in Kisian and by 1.33 folds in Kimaeti for mosquitoes resting indoors than those resting outdoors respectively.ConclusionThe study recorded high phenotypic, metabolic and genotypic insecticide resistance in indoor resting populations of malaria vectors compared to their outdoor resting counterparts. The indication of moderate resistance intensity for the indoor resting mosquitoes is alarming as it could have an operational impact on the efficacy of the existing pyrethroid based vector control tools. The use of synergist (PBO) in LLINs may be a better alternative for widespread use in these regions recording high insecticide resistance.
- Published
- 2021
22. Towards developing an atmospheric space for inter-religious dialogue in Africa
- Author
-
Tsawe-Munga Chidongo
- Subjects
pluralism ,absoluteness ,exclusivism ,inclusivism ,inter-religious dialogue of life ,radicalisation ,inter-religious education. ,The Bible ,BS1-2970 ,Practical Theology ,BV1-5099 - Abstract
The practice of religions and spirituality is common in Africa. In many ways, religion may be considered as a routine of life, living and practising it either as inherited or borrowed. Religious pluralism is a reality in Africa, dating back to the 1st century up to the 19th century when Africa became a bedrock of traders and colonisers both from Europe and Asia. The paper explores plural religiosity with a view to developing a conducive atmosphere that may promote a suitable inter-religious dialogue in Africa. Largely, the most pronounced and practised religions are Christianity symbolised by the cross, Islam symbolised by the crescent, and African indigenous religion that does not have a common symbol nor sacred scriptures. We note that, for generations, religions have caused division among communities, but have in the recent years developed the quest to create good relations and dialogue with each other. Because of the diverse nature of insecurity in Africa, it is hoped that inter-religious dialogue may cause community cohesion, integration, inclusivity, and co-existence. In the wake of different types of inter-religious dialogue that are globally being researched, this paper suggests a specific inter-religious dialogue that Africans can exercise: ‘dialogue for life’. Contribution: Inter-religious dialogue for life is contextual in that, it touches upon the life situations of ordinary people in society. The author argues that, by embracing it religiously, inter-religious dialogue for life shall address crucial issues such as poverty, radicalisation, terrorism, climate change, bad governance, and human trafficking that adversely affect African society.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Goat hair as a bioindicator of environmental contaminants and adrenal activation during vertical transhumance
- Author
-
Stella Agradi, Albana Munga, Olimpia Barbato, Rupert Palme, Duygu Tarhan, Bengü Bilgiç, Banu Dokuzeylül, Alev Meltem Ercan, Mehmet Erman Or, Gabriele Brecchia, Giulio Curone, Susanna Draghi, Daniele Vigo, Maria Laura Marongiu, Marta González-Cabrera, and Laura Menchetti
- Subjects
autochthonous breed ,small ruminant ,alpine pasture ,bioindicator ,heavy metals ,trace elements ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Autochthonous breeds of livestock are considered a pivotal genetic resource for agriculture, rural development, and food and nutrition security. In the Italian Alps, local livestock breeds are maintained using the traditional alpine farming system based on vertical transhumance, with the use of alpine pastures from late spring to autumn and indoor housing with a hay-based diet for the remaining part of the year. Because of their tight link with the territory of origin, local breeds could be used to biomonitor environmental contaminations. Moreover, animal welfare should also be monitored during transhumance in animals, which are exposed to a sudden farming system change and different types of stressors. For these reasons, this investigation hypothesized that the content of trace elements, heavy metals, and cortisol in the hair of goats changes during vertical transhumance, possibly reflecting different dietary contents and activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. This study aimed to assess the response of an Italian local goat breed to the change from indoor housing to alpine pasture in summer in terms of hair concentrations of (i) trace elements and heavy metals and (ii) cortisol. The regrown hair of Frisa goats was monthly collected for 2 consecutive years (n = 10 for heavy metals and trace elements and n = 6 for cortisol in 2021, n = 17 for both analyses in 2022), once before vertical transhumance and twice after that event. Hair was then analyzed for trace elements, heavy metals, and cortisol by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA), respectively. Data were analyzed by multilevel models. The results showed an increase in As content during alpine pasture (p < 0.01), probably reflecting the soil and water As contents of the grazing area, while Mg, Zn, and Al (p < 0.01) followed the opposite trend, decreasing in the second month after vertical transhumance. Hair cortisol concentrations increased during 2 months of alpine pasture (p < 0.001), indicating an increase in the activation of the HPA axis, in agreement with previous studies. Future investigations can consider a longer study period and the development of ad hoc animal welfare indicators.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Effects on reproductive and productive performance and meat quality in rabbit breeding
- Author
-
Agradi, Stella, Sulce, Majlind, Menchetti, Laura, Vigo, Daniele, Castrica, Marta, Barbato, Olimpia, Andoni, Egon, Quattrone, Alda, Munga, Albana, Marongiu, Maria Laura, Curone, Giulio, and Brecchia, Gabriele
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Resting behaviour of malaria vectors in highland and lowland sites of western Kenya: Implication on malaria vector control measures.
- Author
-
Machani, Maxwell G, Ochomo, Eric, Amimo, Fred, Kosgei, Jackline, Munga, Stephen, Zhou, Guofa, Githeko, Andrew K, Yan, Guiyun, and Afrane, Yaw A
- Subjects
Animals ,Anopheles ,Plasmodium falciparum ,Sporozoites ,Malaria ,Falciparum ,Pyrethrins ,Nitriles ,Insecticides ,Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Feeding Behavior ,Mosquito Control ,Insecticide Resistance ,Genotype ,Rest ,Kenya ,Female ,Insecticide-Treated Bednets ,Mosquito Vectors ,Host-Seeking Behavior ,Malaria ,Prevention ,Infectious Diseases ,Vector-Borne Diseases ,Rare Diseases ,3.2 Interventions to alter physical and biological environmental risks ,2.2 Factors relating to the physical environment ,Prevention of disease and conditions ,and promotion of well-being ,Aetiology ,Infection ,Good Health and Well Being ,General Science & Technology - Abstract
BackgroundUnderstanding the interactions between increased insecticide resistance and resting behaviour patterns of malaria mosquitoes is important for planning of adequate vector control. This study was designed to investigate the resting behavior, host preference and rates of Plasmodium falciparum infection in relation to insecticide resistance of malaria vectors in different ecologies of western Kenya.MethodsAnopheles mosquito collections were carried out during the dry and rainy seasons in Kisian (lowland site) and Bungoma (highland site), both in western Kenya using pyrethrum spray catches (PSC), mechanical aspiration (Prokopack) for indoor collections, clay pots, pit shelter and Prokopack for outdoor collections. WHO tube bioassay was used to determine levels of phenotypic resistance of indoor and outdoor collected mosquitoes to deltamethrin. PCR-based molecular diagnostics were used for mosquito speciation, genotype for knockdown resistance mutations (1014S and 1014F) and to determine specific host blood meal origins. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to determine mosquito sporozoite infections.ResultsAnopheles gambiae s.l. was the most predominant species (75%, n = 2706) followed by An. funestus s.l. (25%, n = 860). An. gambiae s.s hereafter (An. gambiae) accounted for 91% (95% CI: 89-93) and An. arabiensis 8% (95% CI: 6-9) in Bungoma, while in Kisian, An. arabiensis composition was 60% (95% CI: 55-66) and An. gambiae 39% (95% CI: 34-44). The resting densities of An. gambiae s.l and An. funestus were higher indoors than outdoor in both sites (An. gambiae s.l; F1, 655 = 41.928, p < 0.0001, An. funestus; F1, 655 = 36.555, p < 0.0001). The mortality rate for indoor and outdoor resting An. gambiae s.l F1 progeny was 37% (95% CI: 34-39) vs 67% (95% CI: 62-69) respectively in Bungoma. In Kisian, the mortality rate was 67% (95% CI: 61-73) vs 76% (95% CI: 71-80) respectively. The mortality rate for F1 progeny of An. funestus resting indoors in Bungoma was 32% (95% CI: 28-35). The 1014S mutation was only detected in indoor resitng An. arabiensis. Similarly, the 1014F mutation was present only in indoor resting An. gambiae. The sporozoite rates were highest in An. funestus followed by An. gambiae, and An. arabiensis resting indoors at 11% (34/311), 8% (47/618) and 4% (1/27) respectively in Bungoma. Overall, in Bungoma, the sporozoite rate for indoor resting mosquitoes was 9% (82/956) and 4% (8/190) for outdoors. In Kisian, the sporozoite rate was 1% (1/112) for indoor resting An. gambiae. None of the outdoor collected mosquitoes in Kisian tested positive for sporozoite infections (n = 73).ConclusionThe study reports high indoor resting densities of An. gambiae and An. funestus, insecticide resistance, and persistence of malaria transmission indoors regardless of the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). These findings underline the difficulties of controlling malaria vectors resting and biting indoors using the current interventions. Supplemental vector control tools and implementation of sustainable insecticide resistance management strategies are needed in western Kenya.
- Published
- 2020
26. The relative effect of climate variability on malaria incidence after scale-up of interventions in western Kenya: A time-series analysis of monthly incidence data from 2008 to 2019
- Author
-
Nyawanda, Bryan O., Beloconi, Anton, Khagayi, Sammy, Bigogo, Godfrey, Obor, David, Otieno, Nancy A., Lange, Stefan, Franke, Jonas, Sauerborn, Rainer, Utzinger, Jürg, Kariuki, Simon, Munga, Stephen, and Vounatsou, Penelope
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Feature Selection for Identification of Fake Profiles on Facebook
- Author
-
Munga, John Benyen, Mohandas, Prabu, Magjarevic, Ratko, Series Editor, Ładyżyński, Piotr, Associate Editor, Ibrahim, Fatimah, Associate Editor, Lackovic, Igor, Associate Editor, Rock, Emilio Sacristan, Associate Editor, Usman, Juliana, editor, Liew, Yih Miin, editor, and Ahmad, Mohd Yazed, editor
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Nutrients and harmful algal blooms in Kenya's coastal and marine waters: A review
- Author
-
Oduor, Nancy A., Munga, Cosmas N., Ong'anda, Harrison O., Botwe, Paul K., and Moosdorf, Nils
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Appraisal of Kenya's excisable goods management system using interrupted time series analysis: A case of cigarettes and cigars excise tax revenue
- Author
-
Munga, Boaz, Shibia, Adan Guyo, and Onsomu, Eldah
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Molecular characterization and antibacterial activities of mangrove fungal endophytes from coastal Kenya
- Author
-
Helen Mwaka Kiti, Cromwell Mwiti Kibiti, Cosmas Nzaka Munga, Josiah Ochieng Odalo, paul Mwashimba Guyo, and Samuel Mwakisha Mwamburi
- Subjects
endophytic fungi ,mangrove ,antibacterial activity ,molecular characterization ,kenya ,coast ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 - Abstract
Abstract The advent of resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi across the globe is threatening the efficacy of antibiotic drugs. Thus, microbial infections are becoming a threat to life. Endophytic fungi remain a viable source of secondary metabolites with unique spectra of biological activities. This study isolated and characterized endophytic fungi from selected mangrove species of coastal Kenya and further ascertained their activities. A total of 18 fungal endophytes selected from mangrove species were investigated for antimicrobial activity against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. Potato dextrose agar and potato dextrose broth were used for isolation, purification, and fermentation at 28oC for 7–15 days. Extraction of fungal metabolites was achieved using ethyl acetate (1:1 v/v) and ethyl acetate in 10% methanol (9:1 v/v). Solvents were recovered in a fume hood and extracts were dissolved in 1 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide. Molecular characterization completely identified 9 species, namely: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus oryzae, Rhizophora nomius, Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus bravionivious, and Aspergillus welwitchiae. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ethyl acetate crude extracts of the most active fungal isolate, A. flavus (MT447532.1), was 0.91 0.05 mg/ml and 0.82 0.052 mg/ml against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Results showed that some crude extracts of mangrove fungal endophytes from coastal Kenya are effective against bacteria, hence a promising source of novel organic natural metabolites with a possible wide range of biological activities. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2022; 5(3.000): 654-666]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Mid-term evaluation of Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme (MCNP II) in Kenya
- Author
-
Patrick Codjia, Edward Kutondo, Penjani Kamudoni, Judith Munga, Aneesha Ahluwalia, Indrani Sharma, Yvon de Jong, Tom Amolo, Lucy Maina-Gathigi, Victoria Mwenda, Hemant Chaudhry, and Zipporah Bukania
- Subjects
Nutrition ,Mid-term evaluation ,Evaluation ,Maternal and child nutrition ,UNICEF ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Kenya is faced with a triple burden of malnutrition which is multi-faceted with health and socio-economic implications. Huge geographical disparities exist, especially, in the arid and semi-arid lands exacerbated by inadequate resource allocation to the nutrition sector and challenges in multi-sectoral coordination and nutrition governance. UNICEF’s Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme is a four-year (2018–2022) resilience-building, multi-sectoral program focused on pregnant and lactating women, mothers of children under five years and children under five years. The objective of the mid-term evaluation was to establish the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the programme. Methods The field evaluation conducted between June and July 2021, adopted a concurrent mixed-methods approach, where qualitative information was gathered through 29 key informant interviews and 18 focus group discussions (6 FGDs per population group; women of reproductive age, adolescent girls and men). Quantitatively, data were obtained through desk review of secondary data from programme reports, budgets, and project outputs where descriptive analysis was undertaken using Excel software. Qualitative information was organized using Nvivo software and analyzed thematically. Results The findings provide evidence of the relevance of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme II to the nutrition situation in Kenya and its alignment with the Government of Kenya and donor priorities. Most planned programme targets were achieved despite operating in a COVID-19 pandemic environment. The use of innovative approaches such as family mid-upper arm circumference, integrated management of acute malnutrition surge model, Malezi bora and Logistic Management Information Management System contributed to the realization of effective outputs and outcomes. Stringent financial management strategies contributed toward programme efficiencies; however, optimal utilization of the resources needs further strengthening. The programme adopted strategies for strengthening local capacity and promoting ownership and long-term sustainability. Conclusion The programme is on track across the four evaluation criteria. However, a few suggestions are recommended to improve relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. A formal transition strategy needs to be developed in consultation with multi-stakeholder groups and implemented in phases. UNICEF Nutrition section should explore a more integrated programming mode of delivery through joint initiatives with other agencies under the Delivery as One UN agenda, along the more gender transformative approaches with more systematic involvement of males and females in gender-based discussions.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. The viability of utilising phone-based text messages in data capture and reporting morbidities due to lymphatic Filariasis by community health workers: a qualitative study in Kilwa district, Tanzania
- Author
-
Akili Kalinga, Michael Munga, Abdallah Ngenya, Winfrida John, William Kisoka, Ndekya Oriyo, Prince Mutalemwa, Wilfred Mandara, Leonard Masagati, John Ogondiek, Patricia Korir, Ute Klarmann-Schulz, Sacha Horn, Inge Kroidl, Alex Debrah, Achim Hoerauf, and Upendo Mwingira
- Subjects
Mobile phone-based text messages ,Mobile technology ,Community health workers ,Lymphatic Filariasis ,Morbidity ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Globally, there is recognition of the value of using mobile phones among health providers in improving health systems performance. However, in many Low- and Middle-income countries where there is shortage of health providers, Community Health Workers have assumed some responsibilities especially relating to identifying and reporting on health problems within their communities. Despite the known benefits of using mobile phone technology to deliver health services, there is limited information on the extent to which Community Health Workers are able to effectively use the technology in data collection and reporting. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of utilizing phone-based text messages on Lymphatic Filariasis morbidity surveillance by Community Health Workers. Methods This was a cross sectional study whose data was collected through key informant interviews and focused group discussions among community health workers, health providers and staff of neglected tropical diseases control program. Collected transcripts were analysed through Thematic content analysis as it allowed for the identification of data codes through inductive reasoning. Results The use of mobile phone-based text messages in data collection and reporting lymphatic filariasis morbidity cases by Community Health Workers was perceived by study participants to be a relevant tool and feasible due to the ease of use of the technology. The tool was reported by end-users to significantly increase their performance and efficiency was gained in terms of reduced paper work, increased the number of patients accessing health care services and the ability to report in real-time. All respondents were confident that Community Health Workers were the right persons to interact with communities in tracking and reporting morbidity cases using mobile technology. Conclusion Mobile phone-based text messages have proven to be effective in routine workflows such as, data collection and reporting on Lymphatic Filariasis morbidity cases, patient to provider communication, decision making and supportive supervision. Mobile phones have also improved efficiency and general performance of end users in terms of increased number of cases identified and efficiency gained in terms of reduced paper work and the ability to collect and report in real-time.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Taming air and water: The fight against shimoke in artisanal and small-scale gold mining in South Kivu
- Author
-
Marijsse, Simon and Mwisha, Thierry Munga
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Widening the lens of population-based health research to climate change impacts and adaptation: the climate change and health evaluation and response system (CHEERS)
- Author
-
Sandra Barteit, Ali Sié, Pascal Zabré, I Traoré, Windpanga Aristide Ouédraogo, Valentin Boudo, Stephen Munga, Sammy Khagayi, David Obor, Erick Muok, Jonas Franke, Maximilian Schwarz, Klaus Blass, Tin Tin Su, Till Bärnighausen, Osman Sankoh, and Rainer Sauerborn
- Subjects
health impacts ,public health surveillance ,climate change ,digital health ,low and middle-income country ,climate change and health ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
BackgroundClimate change significantly impacts health in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbating vulnerabilities. Comprehensive data for evidence-based research and decision-making is crucial but scarce. Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites (HDSSs) in Africa and Asia provide a robust infrastructure with longitudinal population cohort data, yet they lack climate-health specific data. Acquiring this information is essential for understanding the burden of climate-sensitive diseases on populations and guiding targeted policies and interventions in LMICs to enhance mitigation and adaptation capacities.ObjectiveThe objective of this research is to develop and implement the Change and Health Evaluation and Response System (CHEERS) as a methodological framework, designed to facilitate the generation and ongoing monitoring of climate change and health-related data within existing Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites (HDSSs) and comparable research infrastructures.MethodsCHEERS uses a multi-tiered approach to assess health and environmental exposures at the individual, household, and community levels, utilizing digital tools such as wearable devices, indoor temperature and humidity measurements, remotely sensed satellite data, and 3D-printed weather stations. The CHEERS framework utilizes a graph database to efficiently manage and analyze diverse data types, leveraging graph algorithms to understand the complex interplay between health and environmental exposures.ResultsThe Nouna CHEERS site, established in 2022, has yielded significant preliminary findings. By using remotely-sensed data, the site has been able to predict crop yield at a household level in Nouna and explore the relationships between yield, socioeconomic factors, and health outcomes. The feasibility and acceptability of wearable technology have been confirmed in rural Burkina Faso for obtaining individual-level data, despite the presence of technical challenges. The use of wearables to study the impact of extreme weather on health has shown significant effects of heat exposure on sleep and daily activity, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to mitigate adverse health consequences.ConclusionImplementing the CHEERS in research infrastructures can advance climate change and health research, as large and longitudinal datasets have been scarce for LMICs. This data can inform health priorities, guide resource allocation to address climate change and health exposures, and protect vulnerable communities in LMICs from these exposures.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. The relative effect of climate variability on malaria incidence after scale-up of interventions in western Kenya: A time-series analysis of monthly incidence data from 2008 to 2019
- Author
-
Bryan O. Nyawanda, Anton Beloconi, Sammy Khagayi, Godfrey Bigogo, David Obor, Nancy A. Otieno, Stefan Lange, Jonas Franke, Rainer Sauerborn, Jürg Utzinger, Simon Kariuki, Stephen Munga, and Penelope Vounatsou
- Subjects
Adaptation ,Bayesian modelling ,Bed net use ,Climate change ,Early warning systems ,Incidence ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Background: Despite considerable progress made over the past 20 years in reducing the global burden of malaria, the disease remains a major public health problem and there is concern that climate change might expand suitable areas for transmission. This study investigated the relative effect of climate variability on malaria incidence after scale-up of interventions in western Kenya. Methods: Bayesian negative binomial models were fitted to monthly malaria incidence data, extracted from records of patients with febrile illnesses visiting the Lwak Mission Hospital between 2008 and 2019. Data pertaining to bed net use and socio-economic status (SES) were obtained from household surveys. Climatic proxy variables obtained from remote sensing were included as covariates in the models. Bayesian variable selection was used to determine the elapsing time between climate suitability and malaria incidence. Results: Malaria incidence increased by 50% from 2008 to 2010, then declined by 73% until 2015. There was a resurgence of cases after 2016, despite high bed net use. Increase in daytime land surface temperature was associated with a decline in malaria incidence (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.70, 95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI]: 0.59–0.82), while rainfall was associated with increased incidence (IRR = 1.27, 95% BCI: 1.10–1.44). Bed net use was associated with a decline in malaria incidence in children aged 6–59 months (IRR = 0.78, 95% BCI: 0.70–0.87) but not in older age groups, whereas SES was not associated with malaria incidence in this population. Conclusions: Variability in climatic factors showed a stronger effect on malaria incidence than bed net use. Bed net use was, however, associated with a reduction in malaria incidence, especially among children aged 6–59 months after adjusting for climate effects. To sustain the downward trend in malaria incidence, this study recommends continued distribution and use of bed nets and consideration of climate-based malaria early warning systems when planning for future control interventions.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a spatial repellent to reduce malaria incidence in children in western Kenya compared to placebo: study protocol for a cluster-randomized double-blinded control trial (the AEGIS program)
- Author
-
Eric O. Ochomo, John E. Gimnig, Achuyt Bhattarai, Aaron M. Samuels, Simon Kariuki, George Okello, Bernard Abong’o, Eunice A. Ouma, Jackline Kosgei, Stephen Munga, Kiambo Njagi, Wycliffe Odongo, Fang Liu, John P. Grieco, and Nicole L. Achee
- Subjects
Spatial repellent ,Malaria ,Transfluthrin ,Clinical trial ,Kenya ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 - Abstract
Abstract Background Spatial repellents are widely used for prevention of mosquito bites and evidence is building on their public health value, but their efficacy against malaria incidence has never been evaluated in Africa. To address this knowledge gap, a trial to evaluate the efficacy of Mosquito Shield™, a spatial repellent incorporating transfluthrin, was developed for implementation in Busia County, western Kenya where long-lasting insecticidal net coverage is high and baseline malaria transmission is moderate to high year-round. Methods This trial is designed as a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Sixty clusters will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive spatial repellent or placebo. A total of 6120 children aged ≥6 months to 10 years of age will be randomly selected from the study clusters, enrolled into an active cohort (baseline, cohort 1, and cohort 2), and sampled monthly to determine time to first infection by smear microscopy. Each cohort following the implementation of the intervention will be split into two groups, one to estimate direct effect of the spatial repellent and the other to estimate degree of diversion of mosquitoes and malaria transmission to unprotected persons. Malaria incidence in each cohort will be estimated and compared (primary indicator) to determine benefit of using a spatial repellent in a high, year-round malaria transmission setting. Mosquitoes will be collected monthly using CDC light traps to determine if there are entomological correlates of spatial repellent efficacy that may be useful for the evaluation of new spatial repellents. Quarterly human landing catches will assess behavioral effects of the intervention. Discussion Findings will serve as the first cluster-randomized controlled trial powered to detect spatial repellent efficacy to reduce malaria in sub-Saharan Africa where transmission rates are high, insecticide-treated nets are widely deployed, and mosquitoes are resistant to insecticides. Results will be submitted to the World Health Organization Vector Control Advisory Group for assessment of public health value towards an endorsement to recommend inclusion of spatial repellents in malaria control programs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04766879 . Registered February 23, 2021.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Effect of selected environmental factors on microalgae diversity and abundance in Gazi Bay, south coast Kenya
- Author
-
Swaleh, Mariam, Abubakar, Laila, Mwaguni, Saeed, Munga, Daniel, Okuku, Eric, Dzoga, Mumini, and Fulanda, Alexander
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Factors related to long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) use during travel in western Kenya: A descriptive analysis
- Author
-
Anderson, Elizabeth J., Coalson, Jenna E., Agawo, Maurice, Munga, Stephen, Hayden, Mary, Santos, Ellen M., Little, Ashley C., Tamari, Noriko, and Ernst, Kacey
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Understanding the Risk Factors, Burden, and Interventions for Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review.
- Author
-
Boutros, Perla, Kassem, Nour, Boudo, Valentin, Sié, Ali, Munga, Stephen, Maggioni, Martina A., Golec, Marcin, Simion, Robin, Bärnighausen, Till, Winkler, Volker, and Barteit, Sandra
- Subjects
INDOOR air pollution ,CLIMATE change & health ,AIR pollution ,URBAN pollution ,OCCUPATIONAL hazards - Abstract
Objective: This scoping review aims to identify risk factors for COPD and asthma, examine the burden and intervention measures, and clarify the findings in the context of climate change, with a particular focus on LMICs. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, focusing on studies published from 2011 to 2024. Results: Our review included 52 studies that encompassed 244,004 participants. Predominantly conducted in SSA (n = 43, 83%) and Asia (n = 16, 31%), they address indoor and ambient air pollution, occupational hazards, and environmental conditions. Climate change exacerbates risks, varying regionally. SSA faces severe household and occupational exposures, while other LMICs deal with industrial and urban pollution. Stigma, social exclusion and economic burden underscore the necessity for intervention strategies (e.g., educational programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, low-emission cookstoves). Conclusion: Our research shows a strong link between air pollution, occupational and environmental exposures, and the prevalence of COPD and asthma in LMICs. It suggests that targeted interventions are effective ways to mitigate these diseases and also highlights the significant impact of climate change on respiratory health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Dietary Mycotoxins: An Overview on Toxicokinetics, Toxicodynamics, Toxicity, Epidemiology, Detection, and Their Mitigation with Special Emphasis on Aflatoxicosis in Humans and Animals.
- Author
-
Kibugu, James, Munga, Leonard, Mburu, David, Maloba, Fredrick, Auma, Joanna E., Grace, Delia, and Lindahl, Johanna F.
- Subjects
- *
MYCOTOXICOSES , *PUBLIC health , *METABOLITES , *MYCOTOXINS , *AFLATOXINS - Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and ubiquitous dietary contaminants. Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins with high prevalence and toxicity, have raised a high level of public health concern, the most prevalent and toxic being aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Many aspects appertaining to AFB1 poisoning are not well understood. Yet this information is necessary to devise appropriate surveillance and mitigation strategies against human and animal aflatoxicosis. This review provides an in-depth update of work carried out on mycotoxin poisoning, particularly aflatoxicosis in humans and animals, to identify gaps in knowledge. Hypotheses explaining the functional significance of mycotoxins in fungal biology and their dietary epidemiological data are presented and briefly discussed. The toxicology of aflatoxins and the challenges of their mitigation are discussed in depth. It was concluded that the identification of potential mycotoxin-hazard-prone food items and quantification of the associated risk of cancer ailments in humans is a prime priority. There is a dearth of reliable sampling methodologies for estimating AFB1 in animal feed. Data update on AFB1 in animal feed and its implication in animal production, mitigation strategies, and elucidation of risk factors to this hazard is required. To reduce the burden of aflatoxins, surveillance employing predictive technology, and biocontrol strategies seem promising approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Traditional medicine in Tanzania: a review of historical perspective, current practices and challenges.
- Author
-
Bishoge, Obadia, Njee, Robert, Mbatia, Yolanda, Msovela, Judith, Nyigo, Vitus, Kafuye, Mwanaidi, Omolo, Justine, Mubyazi, Godfrey, Imeda, Calister, Peter, Emmanuel, Kazyoba, Paul, Munga, Michael, Katani, Shaban, Nguyamu, Maryyusta, Gowelle, Otilia, Omary, Mwanaidi, Sunguruma, Richard, Mdemu, Abel, and Abdallah, Ahmed
- Subjects
INTELLECTUAL property ,COLONIAL administration ,TRADITIONAL medicine ,BIODIVERSITY conservation ,HUMAN resources departments - Abstract
The use of traditional medicine (TM) is essential for preventing and treating diseases and thus improving human health. Worldwide, TM has been used since time immemorial. In Tanzania, the use of TM was most common during precolonial era before it was discriminated during the Germany colonial rule. However, it regained the attention during the private sector emergence era (1985–2004). Currently, there are ongoing efforts to integrate TM and modern medicine to improve healthcare systems in developing countries for sustainable healthcare management. This review aims to provide an overview of the historical and current status, challenges, and future direction for TM in Tanzania. The analysis revealed that the development of TM was somehow underdeveloped during the colonial rule but regained its popularity after independence. Currently, there are many opportunities such as the presence of legal and institutional frameworks, a varied medicinal biodiversity, with some of them being endemic to Tanzania, political will etc. Despite the available opportunities, there are numerous challenges to the development and use of TM. These include inadequate financial and human resources for research, poor conservation of medicinal biodiversity; modernization; intellectual property rights of TM knowledge; lack of safety, efficacy, and quality data of medicinal products. The development and utility of TM as a resource is crucial to protect practise. Thus, the study recommends more capacity building in terms of finances, technology development, human resources training, advocacy and integration of TM into healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. MYCOTOXIN HAZARDS IN THE KENYAN FOOD AND FEED MARKET - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
- Author
-
Kibugu, J, Mburu, D, Munga, L, Lusweti, F, Grace, D, and Lindahl, J
- Subjects
Mycotoxins -- Physiological aspects ,Food contamination -- Health aspects ,Animal feeding and feeds -- Contamination ,Agricultural industry ,Food/cooking/nutrition ,Health - Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites naturally found in food and feed as contaminants. Animal feed and human food samples (n=1818) from three major Kenyan laboratories were categorized as compliant and non-compliant according to Kenya, America (USA) and Europe (EU) mycotoxin regulatory limits. Quantitative risk assessment of dietary aflatoxin intake in maize, wheat, peanut and dairy products in relation to human hepat[degrees]Cellular carcinoma was carried out employing deterministic approach. Non-compliant samples' proportions were calculated, and logistic regression and chi-square test used to compare different commodities. Animal feed were least compliant, with 64% and 39% having total aflatoxin (AFT) levels above Kenya and USA standards, respectively. Peanuts were the most non-compliant food, with 61% and 47% samples failing Kenya and USA AFT standards respectively, while wheat was least compliant (84%) according to EU threshold for AFT. Half of baby food sampled had AFT level above Kenya and EU standards. High non-compliance rate with Kenya, USA and EU regulatory thresholds with respect to seven different mycotoxins (summarized as 'mycotoxins'), and also AFT and aflatoxin Ml alone in edible materials is reported. Significant non-compliance is reported for compound animal feed, peanuts, wheat, baby food, feed ingredients, herbal healthy drink, maize and fodder feed in that order. High levels of aflatoxin residues in animal feed and human food was also observed. Lifetime human consumption of wheat and maize leads to high additional risk for primary liver cancer, human hepat[degrees]Cellular carcinoma (HCC) ass[degrees]Ciated with dietary aflatoxin, wheat and its products causing the highest disease burden. Subsequent implications and limitations of current food safety standards are discussed. Humans and animals in Kenya appear to be chronically exposed to mycotoxin hazards: this calls for surveillance and risk management. There is urgent need for enhanced and consistent surveillance of the dietary mycotoxin hazards observed in this study employing representative sampling plans. Regulation and future research need to f[degrees]Cus on reliable analysis techniques, collection of data on toxicological effects of mycotoxins and food consumption pattern, and regulatory limits accordingly set and compliance enforced to protect vulnerable groups such as paediatric, geriatric and sick members of the s[degrees]Ciety to reduce cancer burden in Kenya. Key words: Mycotoxins, food, feed, risk analysis, human hepat[degrees]Cellular carcinoma, Kenya, INTRODUCTION Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that infest food and feed. Commonly encountered mycotoxins are aflatoxins, [degrees]Chratoxins, zearalenone, fumonisins, trichothecenes and patulin, which are produced by the [...]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Goji Berry in the Diet of the Rabbit Buck: Effects on Semen Quality, Oxidative Status and Histological Features of the Reproductive Tract
- Author
-
Gabriele Brecchia, Gerald Muça, Albana Munga, Laura Menchetti, Livio Galosi, Giacomo Rossi, Olimpia Barbato, Grazia Pastorelli, Stella Agradi, Valentina Serra, Majlind Sulçe, Enkeleda Ozuni, Luigj Turmalaj, Marta Castrica, Maria Rachele Ceccarini, Federica Riva, Bernard Fioretti, Alda Quattrone, Maria Laura Marongiu, and Giulio Curone
- Subjects
Lycium barbarum ,rabbit buck ,semen quality ,antioxidant capacity ,seminal plasma ,reproductive organs ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Goji berry (GB) shows beneficial effects on human health, although its effects on the male rabbit have been little investigated. This study examines the impact of GB dietary supplementation on the semen traits, antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, and histological features of the reproductive tract of rabbit buck. Eighteen rabbits were distributed into two dietary groups: one receiving a commercial feed (Control), and the other a feed supplemented with 1% of GB (Goji). After a nutritional adaptation period of 60 days, the animals were subjected to semen collection every 15 days. The semen traits, libido, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters were collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 60 days, and tissues of the genital tract were analyzed. Compared to the Control group, the Goji group showed higher spermatozoa concentration, motility, and vitality (p < 0.05), as well as fewer abnormal spermatozoa and a higher libido (p < 0.1). Histological features such as functional activity and hyperplasia were improved by GB and correlated with some semen traits (p < 0.05). Conversely, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were unaffected by the diet. These findings suggest that GB acts on the tissues of the reproductive tract positively influencing semen quality, although further studies are needed to understand the effect on oxidative stress.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Transformative Adaptations for Health Impacts of Climate Change in Burkina Faso and Kenya
- Author
-
Yeboah, Edmund, Bunker, Aditi, Dambach, Peter, Mank, Isabel, Sorgho, Raïssa, Sié, Ali, Munga, Stephen, Bärnighausen, Till, Danquah, Ina, Oguge, Nicholas, editor, Ayal, Desalegn, editor, Adeleke, Lydia, editor, da Silva, Izael, editor, and Leal Filho, Walter, Editor-in-Chief
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a spatial repellent to reduce malaria incidence in children in western Kenya compared to placebo: study protocol for a cluster-randomized double-blinded control trial (the AEGIS program)
- Author
-
Ochomo, Eric O., Gimnig, John E., Bhattarai, Achuyt, Samuels, Aaron M., Kariuki, Simon, Okello, George, Abong’o, Bernard, Ouma, Eunice A., Kosgei, Jackline, Munga, Stephen, Njagi, Kiambo, Odongo, Wycliffe, Liu, Fang, Grieco, John P., and Achee, Nicole L.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Mid-term evaluation of Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme (MCNP II) in Kenya
- Author
-
Codjia, Patrick, Kutondo, Edward, Kamudoni, Penjani, Munga, Judith, Ahluwalia, Aneesha, Sharma, Indrani, de Jong, Yvon, Amolo, Tom, Maina-Gathigi, Lucy, Mwenda, Victoria, Chaudhry, Hemant, and Bukania, Zipporah
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. The viability of utilising phone-based text messages in data capture and reporting morbidities due to lymphatic Filariasis by community health workers: a qualitative study in Kilwa district, Tanzania
- Author
-
Kalinga, Akili, Munga, Michael, Ngenya, Abdallah, John, Winfrida, Kisoka, William, Oriyo, Ndekya, Mutalemwa, Prince, Mandara, Wilfred, Masagati, Leonard, Ogondiek, John, Korir, Patricia, Klarmann-Schulz, Ute, Horn, Sacha, Kroidl, Inge, Debrah, Alex, Hoerauf, Achim, and Mwingira, Upendo
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Reduction of write current with improved thermal stability in GeSe2 doped Sb2Te3 films for Phase Change Memory applications
- Author
-
Bhatt, Nidhi, primary, Parveen, Shahin, additional, Whab, Abdul, additional, and Munga, Pumlian, additional
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. THE INFLUENCE OF PRODUCT PROMOTION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SUBSIDIARY CHEMICAL COMPANIES IN KENYA
- Author
-
MWANGI, CATHERINE WANJIRU, primary, MUNGA, JANE, additional, and NZIOKI, SUSAN, additional
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Effect of the Growth Conditions on Organic Crystals with Rare Earth Ions and 1,10-Phenanthroline
- Author
-
Wilson, Ashleigh K., primary, Munga, John, additional, Furlow, Tori, additional, Macauley, Violet, additional, Graham, Jordan, additional, Jones, Asia, additional, Johnson, Chantel, additional, and Noginova, Natalia, additional
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.