A5105286054- Reproductive tract infections research
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Cervical Cancer and HPV Research
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- Global Maternal and Child Health
- Ocular Infections and Treatments
- Gut microbiota and health
- Ocular Surface and Contact Lens
- Immune Response and Inflammation
- Sex work and related issues
- Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Intraocular Surgery and Lenses
- Dermatological diseases and infestations
- Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- ICT in Developing Communities
- Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment
- Breastfeeding Practices and Influences
- Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
- Migration, Health and Trauma
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Bacterial Infections and Vaccines
- T-cell and B-cell Immunology
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2016-2025
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
2014-2024
University of Edinburgh
2024
Hospital for Tropical Diseases
2024
Royal London Hospital
2024
University College London
2024
Aravind Eye Hospital
2024
American University
2023
Duke Institute for Health Innovation
2023
Duke University
2023
Background Stigma related to skin neglected tropical diseases like Buruli ulcer (BU) and yaws has remained underexplored existing studies are limited individual despite the WHO call for integration in disease management. Within two districts central Ghana, we explored stigma associated with BU understand overlaps disease-specific nuances help guide integrated interventions. Methodology/Principal findings In-depth interviews were conducted 31 current or formerly affected individuals assess...
In order to maximize the effectiveness of "Seek, Test, and Treat" strategies for curbing HIV epidemic, new approaches are needed increase uptake testing services, particularly among high-risk groups. Low rates such groups suggest that current services may not align well with preferences these populations. Female bar workers male mountain porters have been identified as two important in Kilimanjaro Region Tanzania. We used conventional survey methods a discrete choice experiment (DCE),...
Introduction: Tanzania is among of the African countries with high maternal and child mortality rates fast growing population. It also has fertility rate a huge unmet need for family planning. Contraceptive use reported to avert more than 1 million deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa due decline thus help achieve MDG 4 5. Therefore, this study aimed determine factors influencing modern contraceptive women aged 15 - 49 years Tanzania. Methods: This was secondary analysis Demographic Health Survey...
Inter-pregnancy interval is an important determinant of both maternal and child health. Suboptimal inter-pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes -including postpartum hemorrhage hypertensive disorders, direct causes mortality. Both overall mortality the contribution on have increased in Tanzania. If we are to achieve sustainable development goal (SDG) number 3.1 reduce global ration less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, it highly that such contributors dealt with. This...
Integrated strategies are recommended to tackle neglected tropical diseases of the skin (skin NTDs), which pose a substantial health and economic burden in many countries, including Ghana. We describe development an integrated decentralised strategy designed improve experiences NTDs Atwima Mponua district Ashanti Region. A multidisciplinary research team led iterative process develop overall specific interventions, based on theory change informed by formative conducted district. The involved...
<ns3:p>Purpose To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacy attendants in management microbial keratitis. Methods This mixed-methods study was conducted selected pharmacies drug shops located Mbarara City between March May 2022. We administered questionnaires assessing attitudes, practices (KAP) related to keratitis (MK) 140 (PAs) pharmacies. also 40 in-depth interviews (IDI) three focus group discussions (FGD) with discuss practices, challenges, opportunities improve MK....
Background The WHO and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health have developed strategies to expand integrate services for co-endemic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) which manifest in the skin. To inform these strategies, we aimed understand social, economic health system context skin NTD care Kalu woreda, Amhara region, Ethiopia, where cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) leprosy are endemic. Methods Between October 2020 May 2022, surveyed reviewed records 41 primary healthcare facilities explored common...
The Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing (CONSORT) intervention leverages the ubiquity of mobile phones and social networks to nudge at-risk populations test HIV. Pilot results suggest that confidential SMS testing invitations are acceptable among diverse may reach those at above-average risk infection.
<ns3:p>Introduction Fungal corneal infection (fungal keratitis [FK]) poses significant treatment challenges. The efficacy of current topical antifungals is inconsistent and often limited, especially in low middle-income countries where the majority FK cases occur. Topical natamycin 5% primary many countries, however, a substantial proportion develop progressive disease, even with intensive treatment. Given limitations existing antifungal treatments, there need for alternative strategies to...
Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major contributing factor in the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) urban and rural Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine PA associated factors among adults Northern Tanzania. We analyzed secondary data from cross-sectional serological survey nested within Magu health demographic sentinel surveillance population District Northwestern All resident aged 15 years older were invited participate study, for 5663 participants....
NKG2C is an activating receptor that preferentially expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. The gene encoding (killer cell lectin-like C2, KLRC2) present at different copy numbers in the genomes of individuals. Deletion locus was investigated a case–control study 1522 individuals indigenous to East- and West-Africa association with ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection its sequelae explored. frequency homozygous KLRC2 deletion 13.7 % Gambians 4.7 Tanzanians. A significantly higher allele...
Background Trachoma is a progressive blinding disease initiated by infection of the conjunctiva with Chlamydia trachomatis. Repeated infections are thought to cause chronic inflammation, which drives scarring, leading in-turning eyelids. The relationship between C. trachomatis, clinical inflammation and scarring development in children not fully understood due paucity longitudinal studies data at frequent follow-up. Methods findings This cohort study took place northern Tanzania. Children...
The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma has set target eliminating trachoma as a public health problem by 2020. However, challenges remain, including socio-cultural issues. Districts in Northern Tanzania, predominantly inhabited Maasai ethnic group, remain endemic trachoma. We explored factors that may impact elimination
Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness and remains a significant public health problem. Much trachomatous disease pathology thought to be indirectly host cellular immune responses, however response during active trachoma how this initiates progressive scarring not clearly understood. Defining protective versus pathogenic C. trachomatis important for vaccine design evaluation. This study reports baseline results longitudinal cohort...
The phenotype and function of immune cells infiltrating the conjunctiva in scarring trachoma have yet to be fully characterized. We assessed tissue morphology immunophenotype cellular infiltrates found trachomatous compared control participants.Clinical assessments conjunctival biopsy samples were obtained from 34 individuals with undergoing trichiasis surgery 33 subjects cataract or retinal detachment surgery. Biopsy fixed buffered formalin embedded paraffin wax. Hematoxylin eosin (H&E)...
Background Trachoma causes blindness due to repeated conjunctival infection by Chlamydia trachomatis ( Ct ). Transmission intensity is estimated, for programmatic decision-making, prevalence of the clinical sign trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years. Research into complementary indicators field-graded TF includes work on photography, tests ocular infection, and serology. The perceived acceptability feasibility these among a variety stakeholders unknown....
Abstract As progress to eliminate trachoma is made, addressing hard-to-reach communities becomes of greater significance. Areas in Tanzania, inhabited by the Maasai, remain endemic for trachoma. This study assessed effectiveness Mass Drug Administration (MDA) through an ethnographic amongst a Maasai community. The MDA experience context livelihoods changing political economy was explored using participant observation and household interviews. Factors influencing within five domains were...
Abstract Objective To monitor the effectiveness of prevention mother‐to‐child transmission ( PMTCT ) components in reducing HIV Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Methods We conducted a retrospective registry‐based cohort study ‐exposed children aged 4 weeks to 18 months. Eligible had DNA polymerase chain reaction antigen test between January 2009 and August 2012. collected analysed data on provided. used logistic regression explore factors associated with successful usage infant infection....
Background Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease caused by ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis , where repeated infections and chronic inflammation can ultimately result in scarring, trichiasis blindness. While scarring thought to be mediated dysregulated immune response, the kinetics of cytokines antimicrobial proteins tear film have not yet been characterised. Methodology Pooled tears from Gambian cohort Tanzanian were semi-quantitatively screened using Proteome Profiler Array...
Introduction Approximately one million undiagnosed persons living with HIV in Southern and Eastern Africa need to test for HIV. Novel approaches are necessary identify testing options that match the heterogeneous preferences of high-risk populations. This pragmatic randomised controlled trial (PRCT) will evaluate efficacy a preference-informed, heterogeneity-focused counselling (HCT) offer, improving rates two Methods analysis The study be conducted Moshi, Tanzania. PRCT randomise 600 female...
Background Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, remains the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Persistence and progression resulting clinical disease appears to be an immunologically mediated process. Azithromycin, which is distributed at community level for trachoma control, has immunomodulatory properties. We investigated impact one round oral azithromycin on conjunctival immune responses, C. trachomatis infection signs three- six- months post treatment relative three...
Abstract Background Trachoma causes blindness due to repeated conjunctival infection by Chlamydia trachomatis ( Ct ). Transmission intensity is estimated, for programmatic decision-making, prevalence of the clinical sign trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years. Research into complementary indicators field-graded TF includes work on photography, tests ocular infection, and serology. The perceived acceptability feasibility these among a variety stakeholders...
Abstract Background Photovoice is a method used to help engage community members understand local realities and promote social change. uses cameras in the hands of participants as tool visually document specified topic. Photos taken by allow for reflection stimulate dialog on an issue ideally lead Trachoma, hyperendemic Maasai communities Northern Tanzania, commonest infectious cause blindness worldwide, caused chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterial infection commonly occurs childhood over...
Trachoma is initiated during childhood following repeated conjunctival infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes a chronic inflammatory response in some individuals that leads to scarring and in-turning of the eyelids later life. There currently no treatment halt progression trachoma due an incomplete understanding disease pathogenesis. A cohort study was performed northern Tanzania 616 children aged 6 10 years at enrollment. Every 3 months for 4 years, were examined clinical signs...