Promoting public access to Health information: experience of the Association for Health Information and Library in Africa (AHILA) Tanzania Chapter

Conference Theme: Dynamic Libraries: Access, Development and TransformationHealth is an essential aspect for development. People with poor health and malnourished in the community fail to work hard and hence slow down the development of a nation. Promoting and improving public access to nutrition and health related information is a most important activity in people’s livelihood in the community. The purpose of this article is to discuss initiatives of the project that was conducted by Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA)–Tanzania Chapter in promoting and improving public access to health information. The project activities started June 2013 and ended September 2013. The project was executed by Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre library in collaboration with Association for Health Information and Libraries–Tanzania Chapter (AHILA TZ Chapter) and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW). The article also discusses the achievement, challenges and lessons learned from the project.published_or_final_versio

Acceptance of HIV Testing for Children Ages 18 Months to 13 Years Identified Through Voluntary, Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing in Western Kenya

Background Home-based, voluntary counseling and testing (HCT) presents a novel approach to early diagnosis. We sought to describe uptake of pediatric HIV testing, associated factors, and HIV prevalence among children offered HCT in Kenya. Methods The USAID-AMPATH Partnership conducted HCT in western Kenya in 2008. Children 18 months to 13 years were offered HCT if their mother was known to be dead, her living status was unknown, mother was HIV-infected or of unknown HIV status. This retrospective analysis describes the cohort of children encountered and tested. Results HCT was offered to 2,289 children and accepted for 1,294 (57%). Children were more likely to be tested if more information was available about a suspected or confirmed maternal HIV-infection (for HIV-infected, living mothers OR=3.20, 95% CI: 1.64–6.23), if parents were not in household (OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.40–1.63), if they were grandchildren of head of household (OR=4.02, 95% CI: 3.06–5.28), or if their father was not in household (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.24–1.56). Of the eligible children tested, 60 (4.6%) were HIV-infected. Conclusions HCT provides an opportunity to identify HIV among high-risk children; however, acceptance of HCT for children was limited. Further investigation is needed to identify and overcome barriers to testing uptake

An empirical analysis of the obstacles derailing Procurement Process in Public Institutions in Kenya

Public procurement is broadly defined as the purchasing, hiring or obtaining by any other contractual means of goods, construction works and services by the public sector. Public procurement thus means procurement by a procuring entity using public funds (Sherman, 1999). The items involved in public procurement range from simple goods or services such as clips or cleaning services to large commercial projects, such as the development of infrastructure, including road, power stations and airports. Public procurement practitioners have always faced challenges imposed upon by a variety of factors including market, legal, political, organizational, socio-economic and other environmental factors. Market conditions have a great influence on public procurement practitioners’ effort to maximize competition. Moreover, the market determines whether or not socio-economic conditions of procurement are accomplished, whether or not a governmental entity can fulfill its needs, the timeliness of fulfillment and the quality and costs of purchased goods, services and capital assets. This paper will analyze the factors that derail procurement in public institution in Kenya and make recommendations on the way forward. Keywords: Procurement, Corruption, institutions, public entit

Structured Collaboration Across a Transformative Knowledge Network-Learning Across Disciplines, Cultures and Contexts?

Realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will require transformative changes at micro, meso and macro levels and across diverse geographies. Collaborative, transdisciplinary research has a role to play in documenting, understanding and contributing to such transformations. Previous work has investigated the role of this research in Europe and North America, however the dynamics of transdisciplinary research on ‘transformations to sustainability’ in other parts of the world are less well-understood. This paper reports on an international project that involved transdisciplinary research in six different hubs across the globe and was strategically designed to enable mutual learning and exchange. It draws on surveys, reports and research outputs to analyse the processes of transdisciplinary collaboration for sustainability that took place between 2015-2019. The paper illustrates how the project was structured in order to enable learning across disciplines, cultures and contexts, and describes how it also provided for the negotiation of epistemological frameworks and different normative commitments between members across the network. To this end, it discusses lessons regarding the use of theoretical and methodological anchors, multi-loop learning and evaluating emergent change (including the difficulties encountered). It offers insights for the design and implementation of future international transdisciplinary collaborations that address locally-specific sustainability challenges within the universal framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Effect of Nitrogen on Seed Sugar Content in White Corn ( Zea Mays L. )

Abstract.White corn (Zea mays L.) is a grain crop that produces kernels in a cob and is grown in different parts of the world. Depending on the maturity stage at harvest, the most common are field corn variety and sugar corn variety. Notably, Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important element in improving soil fertility and affecting crop productivity. The objective of this research study was to determine the effect of Nitrogen on kernel sugar concentration in white corn and investigate the effect upon white corn yield and grain mass. The study was conducted at the Illinois State University research farms in Lexington, IL 61753 (40.66844 N, 88.77591 W) and (40.6710 N, 88.77178 W) in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with 2 replications each. Nitrogen was applied as Granular Urea (46-0-0) at 0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha-1 using 0 broadcast method. The grain yield, expressed as bushels of corn per acre at 15.5% moisture level, was determined by hand-harvesting and shelling 1/1000th acre of corn per plot. This was then expressed as percent dry matter, and hence multiplying it with grain weight and 1000. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS V. 25) software, with both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis performed. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare means for any two assessed groups, whereas Analysis of Variance (One-way ANOVA) was performed for multiple groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the mean samples from the two replicates (blocks 1 & 2) across the two seasons for corn sugar concentration, corn yield estimates and grain yields. In 2021, the mean yield estimate was 12,552 Kg ha-1, while that of 2022 averaged 12687 Kg ha-1. Similarly, the grain yield achieved in 2022 was 844.1kg more than the average grain yield in 2021. The white corn yield estimate and grain yield increased linearly with an increase in nitrogen application level, with the highest yields achieved when nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 150kg N/ha. Similarly, the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on seed sugar content was evident at all three milking stages. Further research should be conducted to find out whether higher nitrogen fertilization yields a similar linear increase in both white corn yield characteristics and sugar concentration. Moreover, there is need to replicate similar studies that investigate the moderating effect of diverse weather conditions and the role of soil moisture in mediating the effect of Nitrogen on seed sugar content

A comparative study of the household food access by farmers in farmer field and life schools in gatanga constituency, Murang’a county, Kenya

Many programs have been initiated to assist farmers diversify food production. The Farmer  Field and Life Schools (FFLS), an agricultural extension methodology, is an example. Dietary assessment methods are used for nutrition assessments. This study compared household food consumption patterns, by using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) of households who participated in the FFLS at baseline and after intervention and Non-FFLS households in the Gatanga Constituency in Murang’a County. The study was based on a United Nations Joint Program implemented from 2009 to 2013. A comparative cross-sectional design was used in this study to compare FFLS at baseline, after intervention and Non-FFLS households. 112 households (56 for cases and 56 for comparative group) participated in this study. The baseline survey with 390 households was in 2009. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. Paired and independent T-Tests were used to determine the difference in the household dietary diversity score between FFLS at baseline and after intervention, and post intervention FFLS and Non-FFLS, respectively. Results show that 42.8% (n=56) of the FFLS households and 28.5% of non-FFLS household respondents were over 50 years of age. 49% of FLS and 11% non FFLS households have incomes ranging from 0-5,000 Ksh. per month, with 41% of FFLS and 32% non FFLS having incomes ranging from Ksh. 5,001- 10,0001. Mean for Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) at baseline was 8.16 and Non-FFLS was 8.45. Minimum food groups consumed across all groups were cereals, milk and milk products, oils and fats. Comparing FFLSat baseline and post intervention, the percentage of households consuming all food groups increased with exception of fruits and meat. There was a significant difference (p=0.007 against p<0.0005) in the HDDS when FFLS groups post intervention were compared with their baseline. There was no significant difference (p=0.176, against p<0.0005) in the HDDS between FFLS post intervention and non-FFLS households. Compared with the baseline information, FFLS participants who were of low economic status improved their HDDS. Targeting of vulnerable households to participate in such programs has the potential of improving their HDDS compared with the regular HDDS population. Integration of nutrition in agricultural programs with strong extension systems like the - has great potential to improve access and consumption of diversified foods for vulnerable households.Keywords: Agriculture, Nutrition, Farmer Field and Life Schools (FFLS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS)Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev. 2019; 19(3): 14622-1463

Challenges and Coping Strategies among Couples of Mixed HIV Status Presenting at a Large Comprehensive Care Centre in Eldoret, Kenya

This study was to determine challenges and coping strategies of HIV discordant couples seen at AMPATH Centre, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya. A cross sectional study design with consecutive sampling was used.384 participated. Challenges included; negotiation for sex (100%), need for children (94%) and blame for HIV infection. Females reported more abuse (65.4% against 34.6% for males). Highest incidence of abuse was reported among the unemployed HIV positive females. Coping strategies expressed included; abstinence (9%), condom use (74%), sleeping facing opposite sides in bed or separation of beds (11%) and living apart. A bivariate analysis of those participants who reported use of condom all the time and those who reported otherwise showed Age group, order of HIV testing and HIV status were significant while level of formal education of the participants and occupation were not. Negotiation for sex formed the greatest challenge while a combination of coping strategies was used. Keywords: HIV, Discordant couple, challenges, coping strategie

Factors Influencing Performance of Information and Communication Technology Projects in Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya: Case of Novel Technologies East Africa Ltd

The purpose of this paper was to explore factors that influence performance of ICT projects in SMEs in Kenya. Significantly the study sought to establish how management Skills, Information and Communication Technology, Employee motivation and government policies influence performance of ICT Projects in SMEs in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, where all the employees of this company were requested to respond. The findings of the study revealed that government policies greatly influence performance of ICT projects in SMEs in Kenya followed by Information and Communication Technology, then employee motivation and finally management skills. The study therefore concluded that management Skills, Information and Communication Technology; Employee motivation and government policies positively influence performance of ICT projects in SMEs in Kenya. This study has added new knowledge to the existing literature, hence filling the gap. The study recommend a similar study to be carried in any sister company and validate the findings with this so as to arrive at a consensus. Keywords: Management skills, Information Technology, employees’ motivation government policies and performanc

Drivers of health services' sustainability in selected mission hospitals in MT. Kenya

Mission hospitals were initiated by missionaries and were heavily subsidized. The situation has changed; donor support is no longer reliable and cost of providing services has increased tremendously. The subsidy which enabled the services to be cheap and accessible has largely ceased hence the full cost of delivering services has to be met by the patients. A number of mission hospitals are befallen by crisis due to weak governance structures leading to poor oversight of health institutions. The health providers market has also become very competitive with private and public health units mushrooming in both urban and rural areas. Due to the financial constraints, sustainability of mission hospitals has been difficult and is in dire need of exploring other factors to enable it sustain health services. The study was conducted to explore drivers of health services' sustainability in mission hospitals so as to enhance service provision, accountability and growth while embracing best practices. The specific objectives were to find out if governance, continuous quality improvement and stakeholders engagement influence sustainability. The study was carried out in 10 faith based Hospitals in Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Embu, Nyeri and Meru counties with bed capacity of 60 and above. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used and a non-probability sampling method was used to select subjects of the study. Questionnaires and key informant interviews with selected chief executive officers was used to collect data that was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in the form of frequency tables at p < 0.05. A multivariate regression model was applied to determine the relative importance of each of the three variables with respect to Health Services' Sustainability. The study found out that mission hospital adheres to quality improvement practices such as presence of quality improvement teams and standard operating procedures but lacks top management support; they have a board of directors but lack a clear documented organization structure (organogram) while board composition was biased to church leaders. Study also indicated that stakeholder's engagement was a key drive to sustainability but there was little engagement within the catchment population. The study concluded that Mission hospitals lack sufficient funds from their sources of income to sustain quality health services since main source of funds is user fee which is also affected by dwindling patient numbers. The study recommends that Governance of mission hospitals should be strengthened and professionalized to ensure that it has the essential competence and Mix of skills and employees trained on sustainable procurement concept. It is recommended to further research on how mission hospitals can gain competitive advantage through service differentiation