Child height gain is associated with consumption of animal-source foods in livestock-owning households in Western Kenya

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the pathways between household livestock and child growth by assessing the relationships between consumption of animal-source foods (ASF) and child growth and evaluating the household livestock correlates of child consumption of ASF. DESIGN: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of anthropometry and 3 d feeding recalls among children <5 years old between June 2014 and May 2015. In addition, we collected data on wealth, livestock ownership and livestock diseases in the same households. We used linear and negative binomial mixed models to evaluate the relationships between household livestock characteristics, reported consumption of ASF and child growth. SETTING: An 1800-household surveillance catchment area in Western Kenya within the structure of human and animal health surveillance systems. SUBJECTS: Children (n 874) <5 years old. RESULTS: Among children >6 months old, reported frequency of egg and milk consumption was associated with increased monthly height gain (for each additional report of consumption over 3 d: adjusted β (95% CI) = 0·010 (0·002, 0·019) cm/month and 0·008 (0·004, 0·013) cm/month, respectively). Poultry ownership was associated with higher reported frequency of egg, milk and chicken consumption (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI) = 1·3 (1·2, 1·4), 1·4 (1·1, 1·6) and 1·3 (1·1, 1·4), respectively). Some livestock diseases were associated with lower reported frequency of ASF intake (livestock digestive Child growth diseases-adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI) = 0·89 (0·78, 1·00)). CONCLUSIONS: Child height gain was associated with milk and egg consumption in this cohort. ASF consumption was related to both household livestock ownership and animal health

A hundred years of rabies in Kenya and the strategy for eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030

Background: Rabies causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually. In Kenya, rabies was first reported in a dog in 1912, with the first human case reported in 1928. Here we examine retrospective rabies data in Kenya for the period 1912 – 2017 and describe the spatial and temporal patterns of rabies occurrence in the country. Additionally, we detail Kenya’s strategy for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. Methods: Data on submitted samples and confirmed cases in humans, domestic animals and wildlife were obtained from Kenya’s Directorate of Veterinary Services. These data were associated with the geographical regions where the samples originated, and temporal and spatial trends examined. Results: Between 1912 and the mid 1970’s, rabies spread across Kenya gradually, with fewer than 50 cases reported per year and less than half of the 47 counties affected. Following an outbreak in the mid 1970’s, rabies spread rapidly to more than 85% of counties, with a 4 fold increase in the percent positivity of samples submitted and number of confirmed rabies cases. Since 1958, 7,584 samples from domestic animals (93%), wildlife (5%), and humans (2%) were tested. Over two-thirds of all rabies cases came from six counties, all in close proximity to veterinary diagnostic laboratories, highlighting a limitation of passive surveillance. Conclusions: Compulsory annual dog vaccinations between 1950’s and the early 1970’s slowed rabies spread. The rapid spread with peak rabies cases in the 1980’s coincided with implementation of structural adjustment programs privatizing the veterinary sector leading to breakdown of rabies control programs. To eliminate human deaths from rabies by 2030, Kenya is implementing a 15-year step-wise strategy based on three pillars: a) mass dog vaccination, b) provision of post-exposure prophylaxis and public awareness and c) improved surveillance for rabies in dogs and humans with prompt responses to rabies outbreaks

Randomized controlled field trial to assess the immunogenicity and safety of rift valley fever clone 13 vaccine in livestock

BACKGROUND:Although livestock vaccination is effective in preventing Rift Valley fever (RVF) epidemics, there are concerns about safety and effectiveness of the only commercially available RVF Smithburn vaccine. We conducted a randomized controlled field trial to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the new RVF Clone 13 vaccine, recently registered in South Africa. METHODS:In a blinded randomized controlled field trial, 404 animals (85 cattle, 168 sheep, and 151 goats) in three farms in Kenya were divided into three groups. Group A included males and non-pregnant females that were randomized and assigned to two groups; one vaccinated with RVF Clone 13 and the other given placebo. Groups B included animals in 1st half of pregnancy, and group C animals in 2nd half of pregnancy, which were also randomized and either vaccinated and given placebo. Animals were monitored for one year and virus antibodies titers assessed on days 14, 28, 56, 183 and 365. RESULTS:In vaccinated goats (N = 72), 72% developed anti-RVF virus IgM antibodies and 97% neutralizing IgG antibodies. In vaccinated sheep (N = 77), 84% developed IgM and 91% neutralizing IgG antibodies. Vaccinated cattle (N = 42) did not develop IgM antibodies but 67% developed neutralizing IgG antibodies. At day 14 post-vaccination, the odds of being seropositive for IgG in the vaccine group was 3.6 (95% CI, 1.5 - 9.2) in cattle, 90.0 (95% CI, 25.1 - 579.2) in goats, and 40.0 (95% CI, 16.5 - 110.5) in sheep. Abortion was observed in one vaccinated goat but histopathologic analysis did not indicate RVF virus infection. There was no evidence of teratogenicity in vaccinated or placebo animals. CONCLUSIONS:The results suggest RVF Clone 13 vaccine is safe to use and has high (>90%) immunogenicity in sheep and goats but moderate (> 65%) immunogenicity in cattle

Digital preservation of agricultural information at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) through its research and related activities generates a lot of digital agricultural information and records. While some of the information and records are born digital, others are the product of digitization. The information and records generated serve to improve and promote transfer of agricultural technologies, provide knowledge, inform the clientele, respond to demands and opportunities leading to the enhancement of agricultural production. The article examines the current practices underpinning digital preservation of agricultural information and records at KARI, the KAINet Pilot Project, and challenges in preservation of digital agricultural information and records at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute. The article further reviews literature pertaining to digital preservation and concludes with some recommendations directed towards improving and promoting preservation of digital agricultural information.

Implementation of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Among HIV-Infected Children at Health Facilities in Nairobi County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:&nbsp;HIV is the strongest risk factor for developing tuberculosis (TB) among people with latent or new&nbsp;Mycobacterium tuberculosis&nbsp;infection. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) reduces the risk of active TB among people living with HIV by up to 62%. Despite evidence that IPT is safe and efficacious, its provision remains low globally. The current study aimed at documenting IPT uptake, adherence, and completion rates, as well as the correlates of IPT uptake among HIV-infected children in Kenya. The study also assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of health-care workers (HCWs) with regard to IPT. &nbsp; Methods:&nbsp;A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from caregivers of HIV-infected children as well as HCWs using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with IPT uptake. &nbsp; Results:&nbsp;The study enrolled 111 child-caregiver dyads. Most of the caregivers were female (n=75, 77.3%) and HIV-positive (n=82, 85.4%). The majority of children were male (n=65, 58.6%) and on ART (n=106, 95.5%). Overall, 59 children were on IPT (uptake of 53.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 43.9% to 62.4%). Out of the 25 children who had been on IPT for more than 6 months, 22 (88.0%) successfully completed the 6-month course of treatment. Further, 27 of the 34 children (78.4%) who were on IPT at the time of the study demonstrated satisfactory adherence to the therapy (no doses missed). The caregivers’ attributes that were associated with IPT uptake included having a secondary school education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.67) and having been on IPT (aOR 27.50; 95% CI, 5.39 to 140.28). The characteristics of children that were significantly associated with IPT uptake were higher median baseline CD4 count (P=.007) and higher median current CD4 count (P=.024). &nbsp; Conclusion:&nbsp;The study demonstrated suboptimal IPT uptake but favourable adherence and treatment completion rates. There was almost universal awareness of IPT within the study sample. Furthermore, the majority of the HCWs had a favourable attitude towards IPT. However, the attendant IPT practices were inadequate, with majority of HCWs reporting that they had never initiated IPT, prescribed IPT within the last 12 months, or renewed an isoniazid prescription

Global epidemiology of HIV among female sex workers: influence of structural determinants.

Female sex workers (FSWs) bear a disproportionately large burden of HIV infection worldwide. Despite decades of research and programme activity, the epidemiology of HIV and the role that structural determinants have in mitigating or potentiating HIV epidemics and access to care for FSWs is poorly understood. We reviewed available published data for HIV prevalence and incidence, condom use, and structural determinants among this group. Only 87 (43%) of 204 unique studies reviewed explicitly examined structural determinants of HIV. Most studies were from Asia, with few from areas with a heavy burden of HIV such as sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, and eastern Europe. To further explore the potential effect of structural determinants on the course of epidemics, we used a deterministic transmission model to simulate potential HIV infections averted through structural changes in regions with concentrated and generalised epidemics, and high HIV prevalence among FSWs. This modelling suggested that elimination of sexual violence alone could avert 17% of HIV infections in Kenya (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1-31) and 20% in Canada (95% UI 3-39) through its immediate and sustained effect on non-condom use) among FSWs and their clients in the next decade. In Kenya, scaling up of access to antiretroviral therapy among FSWs and their clients to meet WHO eligibility of a CD4 cell count of less than 500 cells per μL could avert 34% (95% UI 25-42) of infections and even modest coverage of sex worker-led outreach could avert 20% (95% UI 8-36) of infections in the next decade. Decriminalisation of sex work would have the greatest effect on the course of HIV epidemics across all settings, averting 33-46% of HIV infections in the next decade. Multipronged structural and community-led interventions are crucial to increase access to prevention and treatment and to promote human rights for FSWs worldwide

Global epidemiology of HIV among female sex workers: influence of structural determinants.

Female sex workers (FSWs) bear a disproportionately large burden of HIV infection worldwide. Despite decades of research and programme activity, the epidemiology of HIV and the role that structural determinants have in mitigating or potentiating HIV epidemics and access to care for FSWs is poorly understood. We reviewed available published data for HIV prevalence and incidence, condom use, and structural determinants among this group. Only 87 (43%) of 204 unique studies reviewed explicitly examined structural determinants of HIV. Most studies were from Asia, with few from areas with a heavy burden of HIV such as sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, and eastern Europe. To further explore the potential effect of structural determinants on the course of epidemics, we used a deterministic transmission model to simulate potential HIV infections averted through structural changes in regions with concentrated and generalised epidemics, and high HIV prevalence among FSWs. This modelling suggested that elimination of sexual violence alone could avert 17% of HIV infections in Kenya (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1-31) and 20% in Canada (95% UI 3-39) through its immediate and sustained effect on non-condom use) among FSWs and their clients in the next decade. In Kenya, scaling up of access to antiretroviral therapy among FSWs and their clients to meet WHO eligibility of a CD4 cell count of less than 500 cells per μL could avert 34% (95% UI 25-42) of infections and even modest coverage of sex worker-led outreach could avert 20% (95% UI 8-36) of infections in the next decade. Decriminalisation of sex work would have the greatest effect on the course of HIV epidemics across all settings, averting 33-46% of HIV infections in the next decade. Multipronged structural and community-led interventions are crucial to increase access to prevention and treatment and to promote human rights for FSWs worldwide

Administrative Law -- Power of Board of Education to Abolish Fraternities

<p>Left panel (bottom) shows proportion of cattle with IgG antibodies following vaccination 14 to 366 days post-vaccination. The right panel (bottom) shows proportion of cattle that produced anti-RVF IgM antibodies over the 1 year period. The top panel on the left and right are the placebo-treated animals.</p

Schematic summary of the study design showing the species, the numbers and the physiological status of the study animals.

<p>The study was carried out in three sites (Kabete, Kiboko and Ngong)—all government farms with similar farm management conditions. We used 404 animals in the study, including 85 cattle, 168 sheep, and 151 goats. Of these, 194 were vaccinated with RVF Clone 13 vaccine whereas 210 were injected with placebo. The study animals were divided into 3 groups; Group A included non-pregnant animals, Group B included animal in 1^st half of the pregnancy, and Group C animals in 2^nd half of pregnancy.</p