Maternal and Child Health Commons^™

Europe–Africa Collaboration: Working Together To Strengthen Health Research, Implementation, And Equitable Systems, Lara Pandya, Irene Norstedt, Martin Seychell, Emer Cooke, Isabel Barranco, Niklas Blomberg, Marleen Temmerman, Michael Makanga

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Navigating Childhood Asthma Care In Kenya: Barriers Identified By Children And Their Caregivers, Joan Ahimbisibwe, Roselyter Riang’A, Angela Migowa, Samuel Otido

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in Africa. Achieving adequate asthma control in children remains challenging because of gaps between standard recommended management strategies and actual treatment practices. This study explored barriers to asthma management as perceived by children and their caregivers in a private tertiary care setting in Kenya.

Methods: An exploratory phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Nairobi. Children aged 6–18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma and their caregivers were recruited. The participants had been receiving treatment for at …

Social Cohesion, Trust, And Utilisation Of Maternal Health Services Among Refugee And Host Community Women In Bangladesh And Kenya, Haeun Lee, Ryan Rego, Neyat Fiseha, Ashok Barman, Nimo Sharif, Peninah Wachira, Joe Kolars, Akbar Waljee, Rubhana Raqib, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

The global refugee crisis places significant pressure on host communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Social cohesion and trust between refugee and host communities are critical for maternal health service utilisation. This study explores the relationship between host–refugee trust, social cohesion, and maternal health service use in Bangladesh and Kenya, focusing on facility-based delivery, antenatal care visits, and postnatal care attendance. To do so, a cross-sectional survey was administered among 649 refugee/displaced women and 371 host community women in the two locations. The results show high trust levels in both groups, while social cohesion is greater among refugee/displaced women. …

The Real Story Of “The Happy Mother”: A Narrative Inquiry Exploring The Construction Of Motherhood And Postpartum Depression, Elizabeth Erin Falconer

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The transition to motherhood is a complex and challenging period, during which mothers undergo a considerable number of biological, hormonal, and identity changes. The first six to eight weeks following childbirth is a time of great susceptibility to postpartum depression for mothers. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of research beyond the biological understanding of the experience. Prior literature has examined the biological aspects of postpartum depression and its societal influences on motherhood. However, no prior study has explored how postpartum depression impacts mothers’ construction and understanding of motherhood through investigating their subjective, lived experiences. This study fills that …

Analyzing High-Risk Fertility Behavior For Sustainable Maternal-Child Health: A 2017 Sociodemographic Study In Urban And Rural Indonesia, Asti Annisa Utami, Fadhaa Aditya Kautsar Murti, Popy Yuniar, Milla Herdayati

Kesmas

Indonesia's goal of achieving Indonesia Emas 2045 hinges on improving Maternal-Child Health (MCH), essential for building a healthy and competitive population. Despite some advancements, the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) remain high, particularly because of High-Risk Fertility Behavior (HRFB). The HRFB poses significant risks to MCH, affecting both urban and rural women. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with HRFB in these areas to enhance MCH outcomes and support Indonesia's sustainable health goals. This cross-sectional study used a secondary dataset from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey. A total of 20,530 women of reproductive …

Pharmacogenetic Exploration Of Burenorphine And Related Metabolites In Umbilical Cord Blood, Amelia Monfared, Derek E. Murrell, Darshan S. Shah, Melissa Hoang, Stacy D. Brown, Sam Harirforoosh

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The goal of this study was to explore associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and umbilical cord blood concentrations of buprenorphine and its metabolites following maternal administration. This is a sub-study of a prospective observational cohort investigation which included pregnant women receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Following delivery, umbilical cord blood samples were collected and genotyped using a pharmacogenetic panel. The drug and metabolite concentrations were analyzed through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and genetic association analysis was completed using PLINK software. The included neonates (n = 14) had a mean birth weight of 3.00 ± 0.39 kg and were …

Prenatal Psychosocial Distress Screening For Individuals Experiencing Pregnancies Complicated By Fetal Anomalies., Kara Hansen, Lisa Mische Lawson, Abigail Wilpers

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Pregnant individuals who receive a fetal anomaly diagnosis experience significantly elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress-up to four to six times higher than those for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. In low-risk pregnancies, perinatal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality and are associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. These risks are likely compounded in pregnancies involving fetal anomalies due to the intersecting psychological and social burdens that complicate maternal well-being and access to care. However, there is a critical gap in understanding how these mental health symptoms translate into …

Prenatal Maternal Mood Instability And Child Externalizing Problems: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study, Sophie G. Srivastava, Curt A. Sandman, Elysia Poggi Davis, Laura M. Glynn

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

This study examines whether exposure to affect fluctuations during fetal development have implications for child psychopathology. To evaluate maternal mood instability, participants (N = 154) completed Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) eight times per day across three days at 15-, 25-, and 35-weeks' gestation, and then at two months postpartum. The EMA measured depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), anxiety (Profile of Mood States), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Mood instability was quantified by calculating root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), which captures both variability and temporal dependency of mood states. When the children were 3 years …

Anesthetic Management For Delivery In Parturients With Heart Disease: A Narrative Review, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Drake P. Duplechin, Paris D. Bailey, Dillon T. Duplechan, Alexia J. Enache, Peyton Moore, Sahar Shekoohi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Cardiac disease remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developed countries where improved survival has increased the number of pregnant patients with congenital heart disease. The physiological changes of pregnancy, such as increased blood volume, cardiac output, and hypercoagulability, can exacerbate preexisting cardiac conditions, posing significant anesthetic challenges during cesarean delivery. This review outlines anesthetic strategies for parturients with structural or functional cardiac disease, emphasizing individualized, multidisciplinary care. We examine general and regional anesthesia approaches, intraoperative monitoring, and hemodynamic goals, including fluid balance, venous return optimization, and myocardial oxygen demand reduction. Preoperative risk stratification and coordination …

Sex-Specific Effects Of Early-Life Unpredictability On Hippocampal And Amygdala Responses To Novelty In Adolescents, Elysia Poggi Davis, Bianca T. Leonard, Robert J. Jirsaraie, David B. Keator, Steven L. Small, Curt A. Sandman, Victoria B. Risbrough, Hal S. Stern, Laura M. Glynn, Michael A. Yassa, Tallie Z. Baram, Jerod M. Rasmussen

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Unpredictable childhood experiences are an understudied form of early-life adversity that impact neurodevelopment. The neurobiological processes by which exposure to early-life unpredictability impact development and vulnerability to psychopathology remain poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the sex-specific consequences of early-life unpredictability on the limbic network, focusing on the hippocampus and the amygdala.

Methods

Participants included 150 youths (54% female). Early-life unpredictability was assessed using the Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC). Participants engaged in 1 or more task–functional magnetic resonance imaging scans between the ages of 8 and 17 (223 total observations) measuring blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) …

Covid-19 Vaccine Attitudes And Behaviors Among Pregnant Women In Nairobi, Kenya With Diverse Socio-Economic And Educational Backgrounds, Jessica Schue, Ferdinand Okwaro, Ingrid Gichere, Daizy Cherono, Mandeep Sura, Emilly Miller, Berhaun Fesshaye, Prachi Singh, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe manifestations of COVID-19, resulting in ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death compared to non-pregnant women. COVID-19 vaccines were approved for use in pregnant women in early 2022 by the World Health Organization, but permissive policies toward vaccine women differed by country. As education has been associated with vaccine uptake, this study sought to examine the association between socio-economic or educational status and vaccination behaviors, including reasons for vaccination or non-vaccination among pregnant women seeking health care services in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods: This study administered a survey to pregnant women at the …

Covid-19 Vaccine Attitudes And Behaviors Among Pregnant Women In Nairobi, Kenya With Diverse Socio-Economic And Educational Backgrounds, Jessica Schue, Ferdinand Okwaro, Ingrid Gichere, Daizy Cherono, Mandeep Sura, Emily Miller, Berhaun Fesshaye, Prachi Singh, Grace Belayneh Belayneh, Rupali Limaye, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction

Methods

Placental Transfer Of Sars-Cov-2 Antibodies In Mother-Neonate Pairs: A Prospective Nested Cohort Study, Alex Mugo, Angela Koech, Liberty Cantrell, Moses Mukhanya, Isaac Mwaniki, Joseph Mutunga, Merryn Voysey, Rachel Craik, Marleen Temmerman, Geoffrey Omuse

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Newborns depend on the transfer of IgG across the placenta to acquire protection against pathogens. We assessed the placental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, primarily derived from infection, from seropositive pregnant women enrolled in a pregnancy cohort in Kilifi, Kenya.

Methods :The study was nested within a prospective observational multi-country cohort study. All available paired maternal delivery and cord blood samples were selected. Maternal sera were tested for SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) IgM/IgG total antibodies using the Wantai assay. For positive samples, maternal and corresponding cord blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the spike (anti-spike) and …

Exploring Covid-19 Vaccination Behavior: A Cross-Country Study Among Pregnant And Postpartum Women In Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, And Pakistan, Rupali Limaye, Berhaun Fesshaye, Emilly Miller, Prachi Singh, Saleem Jessani, Muhammad Asim, Ferdinand Okwaro, Caroline Badzi, Emefa Amoah, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV2 are more likely to be hospitalized and require ventilation, compared to non-pregnant women. Although the development of the COVID-19 vaccine was regarded as a scientific breakthrough among many, the pace of development in combination with delayed and unclear recommendations for maternal vaccination led to slower vaccine uptake among this population. We explored the decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and postpartum women in four countries: Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan through 201 in-depth interviews. A grounded theory approach was used for analysis, and a socio-ecological framework was used to synthesize emerging themes. Four levels …

Contribution Of Maternal Adherence To The Effect Of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review And Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Emily R. Smith, Filomena Gomes, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Victor M. Aguayo, Shams El Arifeen, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Ellen C. Caniglia, Parul Christian, Arjumand Rizvi, Sajid Bashir Soofi

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) in pregnancy reduces risk of infant low birthweight (LBW) and improves other maternal and infant outcomes compared with iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements alone. However, the impact of timing of initiation and adherence on the MMS effectiveness in real-world programs remains unclear. To address this, we conducted a 2-stage individual participant data meta-analysis that included 15 randomized trials (61,204 pregnant women) and assessed whether the relative effect of MMS differed by the following: adherence alone; adherence in combination with gestational age at initiation; and the total number of tablets taken. We also evaluated the observational …

Exploring Covid-19 Vaccination Behavior: A Cross-Country Study Among Pregnant And Postpartum Women In Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, And Pakistan, Rupali Limaye, Berrhaun Fesshaye, Emily Miller, Prachi Singh, Saleem Jessani, Muhammad Asim, Ferdinand Okwaro, Sarah Saleem, Marleen Temmerman, Muhammad Asim

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV2 are more likely to be hospitalized and require ventilation, compared to non-pregnant women. Although the development of the COVID-19 vaccine was regarded as a scientific breakthrough among many, the pace of development in combination with delayed and unclear recommendations for maternal vaccination led to slower vaccine uptake among this population. We explored the decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and postpartum women in four countries: Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan through 201 in-depth interviews. A grounded theory approach was used for analysis, and a socio-ecological framework was used to synthesize emerging themes. Four levels …

Placental Transfer Of Sars-Cov-2 Antibodies In Mother-Neonate Pairs: A Prospective Nested Cohort Study, Alex Mugo, Angela Koech, Liberty Cantrell, Moses Mukhanya, Isaac Mwaniki, Joseph Mutunga, Merryn Voysey, Rachel Craik, Peter Dadelszen, Marleen Temmerman, Geoffrey Omuse

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background

Newborns depend on the transfer of IgG across the placenta to acquire protection against pathogens. We assessed the placental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, primarily derived from infection, from seropositive pregnant women enrolled in a pregnancy cohort in Kilifi, Kenya.

Methods

The study was nested within a prospective observational multi-country cohort study. All available paired maternal delivery and cord blood samples were selected. Maternal sera were tested for SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) IgM/IgG total antibodies using the Wantai assay. For positive samples, maternal and corresponding cord blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the spike (anti-spike) and …

Impacts Of Fasting Holy Month Of Ramadan During Pregnancy On Pregnancy/Birth Outcomes: An Umbrella Review, Md Estiar Rahman, May Salama, Abdullah Al-Taiar

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the obligatory duties in Islam, which includes refraining from consuming food and drinks and engaging in sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Though pregnant women are exempted from this practice, approximately 80-90% of Muslim pregnant women choose to fast during Ramadan as part of their religious and cultural beliefs. The impact of fasting holy month of Ramadan during pregnancy on pregnancy/birth outcome remains under debate, despite several primary research studies and literature reviews. Up to date, no guidelines or recommendations have been formulated regarding fasting holy month of Ramadan for …

Distribusi Kejadian Diare Pada Balita Dan Kualitas Sumber Air Minum Di Indonesia: Studi Ekologi, Nadia Z. Sabira, Naijla I. Shaliha, Sandrina H. Salsabila, Wellsa D. Kusumaningrum

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Background: Diarrhea is an infectious disease with the third highest mortality rate in children under 5 years of age globally. The Indonesian Ministry of Health states that 88% of deaths from diarrhea in children are caused by poor sanitation practices and inadequate quality of drinking water sources. This study aims to describe the distribution of the quality of drinking water sources and the prevalence of diarrhea in all provinces in Indonesia. Methods: This study used an ecological study approach with secondary aggregate data from Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) 2023 and Studi Kualitas Air Minum Rumah Tangga (SKAM RT) 2020. The …

Diarrhea Risk Factors Of Toddlers In Jember District, 2022, Annisa Fitrah Aini, Yunus Ariyanto, Adistha Eka Noveyani

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Diarrhea is a disease characterized by passing feces three or more times a day. The occurrence of diarrhea is also influenced by sociodemographic factors (nutritional status) and environmental factors (access to clean water, access to sanitary latrines, and living in flood-prone areas). The purpose of this research focuses on finding risk factors for diarrhea and mapping the risk factors of diarrhea. This study used an ecological study design, in which the population is all sub-districts in Jember. Secondary data were used in this research. The data were analyzed using statistical correlation analysis using SPSS and mapping using GIS software. The …

Impact Of Delivery Mode On Neonatal Serum Bilirubin Levels And Jaundice Risk In Melati Husada Women And Children Hospital, Malang, Andreas Budi Wijaya, Harjoedi Adji Tjahjono

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

It is anticipated that between 60 and 80 percent of healthy, full-term newborns would exhibit idiopathic neonatal jaundice. Mode of delivery has recently been associated with idiopathic neonatal jaundice. As seen at Melati Husada Women and Children Hospital in Malang, the increasing number of caesarean section was followed by increased frequency of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This hyperbilirubinemia should be resolved within two weeks, therefore, prolonged jaundice should be deeply investigated. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between mode of delivery and neonatal serum bilirubin at 48 hours after birth at Melati Husada Women and Children Hospital in Malang. During observational …

Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional Pada Ibu Bersalin: Sebuah Studi Cross Sectional Di Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia, Amanda Firdausya Bahaji, Faris Muhammad, Putri Ayu, Rizani Alia Davina, Vetty Yulianty

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Indonesia remains high, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This study analyzes the relationship between National Health Insurance (JKN) ownership and mothers choosing childbirth facilities in NTT. This study employs a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, utilizing secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), which was conducted from October to November 2024. The study population includes mothers who gave birth in NTT during the 2017 IDHS period, with a sample of 1,236 respondents selected using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test to …

Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies Of Mississippi Initial Provider Engagement And Student Feedback Loop Project, Corban Jackson Mph, Jillian Harper-Peavy Lmsw, Imh-E, Starica Harper, Vernesia Wilson Phd, Mph

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background Between 2017 and 2022, 83% of maternal deaths in Mississippi were preventable. Unfortunately, there is a persistent shortage of OB-GYNs in Mississippi, feeding the rise of maternal care deserts and the lapse in collaboration between providers and state maternal health organizations. Purpose Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies of Mississippi, a care management program for high-risk mothers and infants, has partnered with the Mississippi Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health initiative (AIM) to improve maternal health outcomes through building healthcare networks with existing providers. Methods 33 medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine and William Carey University …

Virtual Versus In-Person Rose Program (La Luz) As Universal Prevention For Perinatal Depression: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial In A Safety Net Hospital, Daphne Y. Liu, Nicholas S. Perry, Catherine H. Demers, Jennifer S. Hyer, Anely Alamo, Paige Vuksanovich, Nandi Dube, Erin R. Flanagan, Robert J. Gallop, Galena K. Rhoades, Elysia Poggi Davis

Psychology: Faculty Scholarship

Perinatal depression disproportionally affects underserved communities, who need effective and accessible prevention programs. Reach Out, Stay strong, Essentials for new mothers (ROSE) has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing postpartum depression in underserved populations when delivered in person. This ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) tests the novel virtual implementation of ROSE as universal prevention in a Federally Qualified Health Center setting. We adopted the name, La Luz, for ROSE to be culturally relevant to our population. Pregnant individuals < 30 gestational weeks (target N = 900) are randomized to either the virtual or in-person La Luz program, which consists of four 90-min group sessions. Groups are offered in English and Spanish, based on participants' preference. Participants complete surveys at seven timepoints: before program, 28 gestational weeks, 35 gestational weeks, and 6-weeks, 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months postpartum. Primary outcomes are postpartum depression severity measured by the 20-item Symptom Checklist (SCL-20) and 10-item Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). We will perform intent-to-treat analysis to test whether virtual La Luz is non-inferior to in-person La Luz. This study also evaluates implementation process and outcomes of both modalities of La Luz to inform the development of an implementation toolkit. This RCT contributes to our knowledge of perinatal depression prevention and addresses access barriers for underserved populations. If effectiveness of virtual La Luz is demonstrated, the new evidence for a scalable low-cost prevention can be used to reduce perinatal depression and offer accessible treatment options for people who face significant barriers to care.

Risk And Protective Factors Associated With Teenage Pregnancy And Intergenerational Interventions: A Scoping Review Protocol, Zamasomi Luvuno, Wilbroda Hlolosile Chiya, Silingene Joyce Ngcobo, Deshini Naidoo, Serwaa Omowale, Tracy Zhandire, Elizabeth Musili Joseph-Shehu, Busisiwe Purity Ncama, Sinegugu E Duma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy remains a critical global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The intergenerational transmission of teenage pregnancy underscores the need for targeted interventions. Existing research on intergenerational approaches is fragmented, with varying methodologies and outcomes. This scoping review seeks to address this gap by answering the following research questions: What are the available intergenerational interventions for teenage pregnancy, and what are the associated risks and protective factors for early and late teenage pregnancy?

Methods and analysis: This study does not involve primary data collection and therefore does not require ethical approval. The review will be conducted …

Exploring Muslim American Attitudes Toward Genetic Testing: Perceptions, Barriers, And Ethical Considerations, Hannah Mahmoud

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores perceptions and attitudes toward genetic testing within the Muslim American community, a group often underrepresented in genomic research and public health discourse. Using a community-distributed digital survey, data was collected from 50 self-identified Muslim Americans on their familiarity with genetic testing, reproductive and ethical considerations, and the influence of religious factors. While only 18% had undergone genetic testing themselves, many were familiar through family or friends, and most expressed cautious interest—especially when results could influence future family planning. Education level, age, and religious values shaped both comfort and understanding.

A key theme was the desire for culturally …

The Impact Of Implementing The Women's Reproductive Rights Agenda On Climate Change, Marleen Temmerman, Emilie Peeters, Celine Delacroix, Malachi Arunda, Sara Khalid, Claudia Hanson, Samuel Ojong

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) established sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as foundational to sustainable development. Thirty years later, advancing women's reproductive rights (WRR), encompassing agency, decision-making autonomy, and universal access to family planning—remains critical not only for health and gender equity but also for mitigating environmental degradation. By reducing unintended pregnancies and empowering women to align childbearing with personal and ecological capacity, WRR alleviates ecological stressors such as deforestation while enhancing health resilience in climate-vulnerable communities. Yet, despite well-documented linkages between population dynamics and environmental change, contemporary climate policies and funding mechanisms persistently …

Geographic Inequalities, And Social-Demographic Determinants Of Reproductive, Maternal And Child Health At Sub-National Levels In Kenya, Janette Karimi, Anitah Cherono, Victor Alegana, Martin Mutua, Hellen Kiarie, Rose Muthee, Marleen Temmerman, Peter Gichangi

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background; Global initiatives have emphasized tracking indicators to monitor progress, particularly in countries with the highest maternal and child mortality. Routine data can be used to monitor indicators for improved target setting at national and subnational levels. Our objective was to assess the geographic inequalities in estimates of reproductive, maternal and child health indicators from routine data at the subnational level in Kenya.

Methods; Monthly data from 47 counties clustered in 8 regions, from January 2018 to December 2021 were assembled from the District Health Information Software version 2 (DHIS2) in Kenya. This included women of reproductive age receiving family …

Europe–Africa Collaboration: Working Together To Strengthen Health Research, Implementation, And Equitable Systems, Lara Pandya, Irene Norstedt, Martin Seychell, Emer Cooke, Isabel De La Mata Barranco, Niklas Blomberg, Marleen Temmerman, Michael Makanga

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

In September 2024, key representatives from European Union (EU) directorates and agencies convened to enhance collaboration with Africa in strengthening health research, innovation, and implementation. The meeting focused on bolstering joint efforts to improve health outcomes and support wellbeing across all ages in Africa. Despite progress in addressing infectious diseases, the continent faces a dual burden with the rise of non-communicable diseases and emerging threats such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change, falsified medicines, and pandemic risks. These challenges are exacerbated by fragile health systems, rapid population growth, urbanisation, and limited access to affordable medical interventions.

To address these issues, the …

Born Too Soon: Every Story Counts: Lessons In Ethical, Inclusive Storytelling From Born Too Soon, Mary V. Kinney, Amy Reid, Mercy Juma, Anna Gruending, Olufunke Bolaji, Doris Mollel, Denise Suguitani, Silke Mader, Karen Walker, Marleen Temmerman, Joy Lawn

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Storytelling is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in public health communication, particularly for addressing complex and stigmatized health issues. In the context of pregnancy and childbirth, personal narratives have proven effective in shaping perceptions, empowering women, complementing health education, and driving policy and legal reforms. Preterm birth remains a significant global challenge, and lived experiences of affected families offer critical insights that illuminate systemic gaps and advocate for the rights of babies, mothers, families, and healthcare workers. The Born Too Soon 2023 campaign placed people—especially women, families, communities, and healthcare workers—at the core of its advocacy efforts. This commentary …