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    Strengthening primary care systems for prevention & control of cardiovascular diseases in Kenya: feasibility study of health kiosks in markets “HEKIMA Study”
    (BMJ GROUP, 2024-09-30) Lydia Kaduka, Jaymima Mbuka, Joanna Olale, Joseph Mutai, Elia Christelle, Rodgers Ochieng, Boniface Oyugi, Chrispine Oduor, Majella O’Keeffe, Harriet Boulding, Jamie Murdoch, Divya Parmar, Gilbert Kokwaro, Elijah Ogola, Seeromanie Harding
    Objectives The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Kenya threatens its healthcare system. There is a need for innovative models that improve equitable access to CVD prevention services. Community markets are social establishments with untapped potential to promote public health. This is a multiphased feasibility study that explores the potential of Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA) to improve access to CVD prevention services. In this formative phase, the aim was to assess the readiness of primary healthcare centres (HCs) and community markets to jointly deliver CVD prevention services. Design Mixed methods using concept mapping and readiness surveys. Concept mapping with 35 stakeholders from different sectors (health and non-health) to identify feasible priorities for HEKIMA. The readiness questionnaire contained 193 items which were based on the guidance of the WHO Handbook for Monitoring the Building Blocks of Health Systems and adapted to suit the context of a single HC. Setting Vihiga County is located in western Kenya and has a population of 590 013. A total of 18 HCs and 19 markets were assessed, with 10 HCs and 15 markets included in the evaluation. Results 91 statements were generated from concept mapping and distilled into 8 clusters, namely equipment and supplies, access and referral, communication, manpower, networks and linkages, practice, service delivery and health promotion. Agreed actions for HEKIMA were provision of efficient quality services, health promotion and partnerships sensitive to the local context. HCs and markets had established governance systems and basic infrastructure. The majority of the HCs lacked essential CVD medications. No HC–market interface existed but there was willingness for a partnership. Conclusion There was strong consensus that an HC–market interface via community health worker manned kiosks could have a positive impact on health systems, markets and CVD prevention in vulnerable communities. However, significant infrastructural, technical and resource gaps were observed that need to be addressed.
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    Bioprospecting for Phytochemical Repellents and bio-pesticides of the Jigger Flea Tunga penetrans from the Western Kenya Flora.
    (WIPO International Publication, 2022-03-03) Maurice V. Omolo, Paul K. Tarus, Joseph Owino, Regina Bwire, Vitman M. Wafula, Judith V. Adhiambo, Regina J. Cheptum, Vincent C. Terer, Anderson Misati, James Nonoh, John Muoma, Dennis Ochieno and Consolata Ngala
    Discloses a composition comprising for treating jigger infestation, comprising Nicotine and related compounds present in Nicotiana tobaccum as bio-pesticides and antitungiasis of the jigger flea, Tunga penetrans. A single application of 10% formulation of Nicotine, nornicotine, Anabasine, Anatabine, Continine and myosmine in the ratio of 85: 2: 4: 7: 1: 1 respectively in petroleum jelly base of 90% and lemon Eucalyptus oil of 1 g on a jigger (6) infested victim's feet (6) gives 100% pesticide activity within 5-7 days as demonstrated by recovered foot (2B) and jigger scars (8). The said bio-chemicals, alone or in combination with one another and/ or other natural or synthetic pesticides exhibit activity against the jigger flea among other blood feeding insect & arachnid pests of humans and animals. Also discloses a method of formulating the bio-pesticide composition consisting of Nicotine and other biomolecules extracts from Nicotiana tobaccum.