Contextual Barriers to Health Information Systems Optimization in Underserved Communities in Kenya: Qualitative Study Informed by Frugal Innovation and Information and Communication Technologies for Development Background: Health information systems (HISs) are essential for strengthening health systems in underserved areas. However, many HISs in Africa are still in the early stages of implementation, and existing systems often suffer from imbalances in data availability. Their optimization is faced with various challenges, including limited resources, which restricts their scalability. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify contextual barriers that hinder the optimization of HIS in African underserved settings. Specifically, the study adopts the lens of frugal innovation (FI) and information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) to explore ways to enhance the quality of health care delivery for low-income populations. Methods: A qualitative research approach involving 32 participants was used. The study was guided by the central theme: contextual barriers and challenges hindering the optimization of HISs. Results: Four major thematic categories emerged from the data: HIS contextualization, health system factors, service provider issues, and HIS integration. The findings offer valuable insights that can contribute to transforming HISs in underserved settings and improving health care quality. Conclusions: The findings reflect stakeholder experiences in underserved communities in Nairobi, Kenya, and may be transferable to similar settings, subject to local governance, resources, and workflows. Despite the transformative potential of HISs in low- and middle-income countries, progress remains limited due to poor digital infrastructure and contextual barriers resulting in minimal impact from capital-intensive digital health investments and persistent data challenges. Using FI and ICT4D lenses, 4 key barriers were identified: health system, HIS contextualization, HIS integration, and HIS service provider. Rethinking HIS strategies through FI and ICT4D can enable affordable and sustainable, user-centered solutions. Future research should test scalability, sustainability, and interoperability impact in diverse settings.

JMIR Formative Res: Contextual Barriers to Health Information Systems Optimization in Underserved Communities in Kenya: Qualitative Study Informed by Frugal Innovation and Information and Communication Technologies for… #HealthSystems #HealthInformation #FrugalInnovation #ICT4D #KenyaHealth

Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Narok and Bomet Counties, Kenya: Evidence from program monitoring.
Dhakal, Sanjaya et al.
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#SoilTransmittedHelminths #KenyaHealth #PublicHealthSurvey

U.S. and Kenya sign first "America First" global health framework, pledging $1.6 billion over five years U.S. and Kenyan officials signed the first agreement under the "America First" global health strategy, with U.S. officials pledging $1.6 billion in assistance over five years and Kenyan representatives saying Kenya will contribute about $850 million and mobilize domestic resources.

The U.S. and Kenya have just launched a groundbreaking $1.6 billion global health partnership, aimed at transforming how aid is delivered and empowering local systems.

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#US #KenyaHealth #GlobalHealthStrategy #CapacityBuilding #CitizenPortal

U.S. announces $1.6 billion health partnership with Kenya; Kenya pledges its own funding Officials at a State Department signing said the U.S. will provide $1.6 billion in health assistance to Kenya over five years under a new "America First Global Health Strategy," while Kenyan representatives pledged $850 million and mobilizing $3 billion in domestic resources and highlighted a 107,000-strong community health promoter workforce.

The U.S. and Kenya just forged a groundbreaking health partnership worth $1.6 billion, aiming to revolutionize local health systems and empower communities like never before!

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#US #KenyaHealth #GlobalHealthPartnership #CommunityHealthWorkforce #CitizenPortal

Discover seamless healthcare with TecoHealth in Kenya! Book with Ease: Schedule your lab appointment anytime, anywhere via our app or WhatsApp. Healthcare made simple, accessible, and trusted! #TecoHealth #KenyaHealth #LabTesting

VillageReach works with communities, governments and the private sector to drive sustained impact at scale. Kenya’s governmental model offers important lessons for how coordination and local leadership can drive greater health access.

#HealthSystems #KenyaHealth #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity

#feasibility and Acceptability of a Digital Health Portal to Improve HIV Care Engagement Among Kenyan Youth: Mixed Methods Study Background: The concerted action of global, regional, and local actors has significantly improved the delivery and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). However, effectively engaging adolescents and young people (AYP) remains an obstacle to achieving optimum HIV treatment outcomes. The rise of digital technologies offers fresh opportunities to improve health outcomes for this group. Objective: An initial study was conducted at health facilities in Kiambu and Kirinyaga County to identify perceptions regarding the benefits and preferences for an online health portal among AYP living with HIV. This survey aimed to establish a foundation for a clinical trial evaluating the portal's effect on patient activation and health outcomes in this age group. Methods: In August 2021, we examined how young Kenyans aged 15-24 on antiretroviral treatment perceived the introduction of an online health portal and its potential effects on their health literacy, and self-efficacy. Utilizing structured questionnaires, we explored domains such as health understanding, symptom management, emotional coping, and portal features like security and content delivery. Participants were drawn from public health facilities in Kiambu and Kirinyaga counties, with minors providing caregiver consent. Data were collected through age-segregated focus group discussions, where the portal's key features were introduced before engaging in detailed questionnaire-based feedback sessions. Results: The survey results revealed strong support for the planned online health portal, particularly in areas like scheduling, accessing test outcomes, viewing health records, and doctor communication. With 60% of respondents being female and a median participant age of 18, 94% showed a readiness to utilize the portal, mainly on a weekly basis. The portal was generally seen as user-friendly and effective in improving health literacy, self-management, and privacy concerns. Analysis indicated no significant relationship between the preference for the portal and demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, or job status. Preferences for receiving information were highest for video, SMS, and Q&A formats, underscoring the portal's role in enhancing patient active participation and the quality of healthcare services. Conclusions: This survey highlighted the benefits and offered insights for the online portal's development, suggesting preliminary surveys as valuable for guiding technology-based clinical trial designs.

JMIR Formative Res: #feasibility and Acceptability of a Digital Health Portal to Improve HIV Care Engagement Among Kenyan Youth: Mixed Methods Study #HIVAwareness #DigitalHealth #YouthEngagement #KenyaHealth #AntiretroviralTherapy

Health on Loan? Ruto’s #ShylockState is charging interest on our health. Enough is Enough

#KenyaHealth #MakeHealthMakeSense #MakeItMakeSense #RutoMustGo #ShylockShif #KenyanTrends #RejectFinanceBill2024 #EndPoliceBrutality #AffordableCareNow

Academic roaming keeps Kenyan hospital online | In The Field A collaboration with national research and education network KENET allows doctors, nurses and medical students at the AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kenya to connect to Wi-Fi via the academic roaming service ...

A collaboration with the #NREN of #Kenya 🇰🇪 #KENET allows doctors, nurses and medical students at the AIC Kijabe Hospital to connect to #WiFi via the #AcademicRoaming service #eduroam.

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#DigitalHealth #MedicalEducation #KenyaHealth