EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
Not a member yet
3828 research outputs found
Sort by
Prevalence of Anaemia Among Pregnant Adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFAnaemia in pregnancy remains a major public health challenge, with pregnant adolescents at increased risk due to their dual nutritional needs. This study assessed the intake of iron and folic acid supplements (IFAS) and anaemia prevalence among pregnant adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 pregnant adolescents attending antenatal care at Malava County Hospital. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Results showed that 95.8% (n=115) of participants adhered to IFAS, while 4.2% (n=5) reported intake less than five days a week. Despite high adherence, anaemia prevalence remained notable, with 51% having normal haemoglobin levels, 44% mild anaemia, and 5% moderate anaemia. Education level, timing of first ANC visit, distance to health facilities, and nutrition counselling were significant determinants of adherence. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening adolescent-friendly antenatal services, improving access to supplements, and addressing barriers such as myths, side effects, and limited social support. Tailored interventions integrating community awareness, health worker training, and peer support may enhance IFAS adherence and reduce anaemia among pregnant adolescent
Rusty Pipe Syndrome in a Multigravida Woman: A Case Report from Ghana
Get PDFRusty pipe syndrome is a benign and self-limiting condition characterised by the discharge of brown or bloody breast milk, often observed during pregnancy or early lactation. This uncommon syndrome predominantly affects primigravid women, earning its name from the resemblance of the milk's colour to water from a rusty pipe. Typically painless and bilateral, rusty pipe syndrome usually resolves spontaneously within a week without medical intervention. This case study describes a 33-year-old woman, now a para 3, who delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery at 40 weeks and 1 day of gestation. Following a rapid labour, her newborn required evaluation in the neonatal care unit after falling into a prone position. The mother experienced bilateral, painless, bloody nipple discharge upon the onset of lactation. Physical examination revealed no signs of inflammation, palpable masses, tenderness, cracks, or ulcers. During her hospital stay, the colour of the milk transitioned from dark brown to light brown, ultimately resolving six days postpartum without any treatment. This case underscores the manifestation of rusty pipe syndrome in a multiparous mother. It highlights the essential need for thorough education and a solid understanding among healthcare providers to accurately identify and effectively manage rusty pipe syndrome in different patient populations. This knowledge is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing disparities in care, ultimately contributing to a more equitable healthcare syste
A Case Report of Incarcerated Umbilical Hernia Complicated by Ascites in a Tertiary Facility in the Eastlands Area of Nairobi, Kenya
Get PDFUmbilical hernias are uncommon in the adult population, and when they occur, they are the acquired type and present with complications such as strangulation and incarceration. Such a hernia presents a surgical dilemma, particularly because of the accompanying comorbidities, such as conditions that increase intrabdominal pressure, such as chronic cough, liver cirrhosis with uncontrolled ascites, and pregnancy, that put the patients at surgical risk. Besides, many of the patients report to the hospital late when the umbilical hernia has complications, precluding optimisation for elective surgical hernia repair. We are presenting a case of a 50-year-old male patient known to have chronic liver disease and uncontrolled ascites who presented to the hospital with a painful swelling at the umbilical area. The swelling was asymptomatic for the past 2 years but developed pain for 2 days associated with a change of colour of the overlying skin. A diagnosis of a non-reducible strangulated umbilical hernia was made clinically and confirmed sonographically, where aperistatlitic intestinal loops were observed. Open surgical repair was performed, where a necrotic jejunal loop measuring 20 cm was resected, and an end-to-end anastomosis of the viable jejunal loop was done. The hernial sac was removed, and the abdominal wall defect was closed using non-absorbable suture. This case report presents real-world experience in the provision of hernia surgery services in a tertiary facility in a resource-limited setting. The study describes both patient-related and provider-related factors that influence surgical care-seeking behaviour and decision-making for elective surgical hernia repair. Healthcare service providers should understand and appreciate the significance of these factors and how they affect the day-to-day care of surgical patients
Bridging Governance Gaps in One Health: Uganda’s Model for Sustained Multisectoral Collaboration for Antimicrobial Resistance Response and Control
Get PDFBackground: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major global health threat, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing the greatest burden due to weak health systems, fragmented surveillance, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement. Uganda recorded an estimated 5,620 AMR-attributable deaths in 2021, underscoring the urgency of coordinated action. Although Uganda has adopted National Action Plans aligned with the One Health platform, implementation remains hindered by siloed sectoral operations, limited financing, and weak multisectoral governance. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive Multisectoral Collaboration (MSC) model to strengthen AMR interventions in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 167 purposively selected AMR stakeholders across government ministries, regulatory agencies, academia, research institutions, and civil society organisations using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO Tripartite AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS) and the EPICAP tool. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS 17. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, workshops, and key informant interviews, transcribed, coded, and analysed thematically. Empirical findings were integrated with literature and the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) to develop the MSC model. Results: Respondents were predominantly male (60%) and aged 31–40 years (46%), with most holding master’s degrees (51%). Across thematic areas, stakeholder engagement was uneven: although 59.3% identified relevant stakeholders, only 10.8% reported frequent cross-sectoral collaboration. Policy presence was reported by 49.7% while compliance was reported by 6% of the stakeholders. Resource allocation favoured funding (82%), whereas infrastructure (3.6%) and human resources (14.4%) were minimally addressed. Data sharing (26.9%), innovation adoption (25.1%), and public awareness (37.1%) remained weak. Qualitative insights highlighted institutional support, actor involvement, and public awareness as critical drivers of effective AMR response. These findings informed the development of a four-component MSC model comprising shared leadership, pooled financing, sectoral action nodes, feedback mechanisms, and evaluation metrics. Conclusion: Uganda’s AMR response is constrained by fragmented coordination, weak shared leadership, and limited cross-sectoral data integration. Although foundational structures exist, they remain insufficiently operationalised. The proposed MSC model provides a theory-informed, context-responsive framework to strengthen AMR governance, enhance surveillance interoperability, and promote sustainable stewardship and regulatory functions. Its future implementation and empirical validation will support Uganda’s transition toward a more coordinated and resilient multisectoral AMR response
Kenya’s Fintech Revolution: Harnessing Big Data While Safeguarding Consumer
Get PDFKenya has emerged as a global pioneer in fintech innovation, transforming financial inclusion through platforms like M-Pesa and embracing technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data. This paper explores Kenya's fintech evolution, emphasising how big data is revolutionising service delivery, credit access, and fraud detection. While the benefits are profound, ranging from personalised services to broader financial inclusion, new risks are also emerging, especially regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. The study highlights the gaps in Kenya’s current data protection frameworks and compares its regulatory environment to global standards such as the GDPR and CCPA. The article concludes with strategic and policy recommendations to create a secure, inclusive, and innovation-friendly fintech ecosystem, urging multi-stakeholder collaboration and responsible data governance as Kenya positions itself as a global fintech leade
Development of Maintenance Management Model for Sustainable Infrastructure Performance of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Stations for Dar Es Salaam Region
Get PDFIn response to escalating transportation challenges driven by rapid urbanisation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and economic hub, the Government of Tanzania launched the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in 2016 to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance urban mobility, and promote sustainable public transportation infrastructure. However, the long-term sustainability of the BRT system hinges on effective maintenance to ensure operational reliability. This study aimed to develop a maintenance management model to enhance the sustainability of BRT station infrastructure in Dar es Salaam. Employing a quantitative approach, data from 32 BRT stations were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank 12 maintenance factors. 7 high-impact maintenance factors were identified, with Platform Surface Condition Management (RII = 0.963) and Drainage Water Management (RII = 0.956) as top priorities. A multiple regression model was developed to predict the Sustainable Infrastructure Performance Index (SIPI), achieving strong explanatory power (R² = 0.792). Validation across six stations with diverse maintenance scenarios confirmed the model’s sensitivity and accuracy, with SIPI scores ranging from 20% to 88%. The findings provide a robust, data-driven framework for optimising BRT maintenance, enabling DART operators to prioritise high-impact factors, predict infrastructure performance, and allocate resources efficiently, which in turn, contribute to sustainable urban transportation solutions in Dar es Salaam
Navigating Online Consumer Protection on Foodstuffs and Beverages in Tanzania
Get PDFConsumer concerns have been realised at all levels, including national, regional, and international. The rapid growth of online shopping in Tanzania calls for the country to regulate consumer rights and electronic commerce. Section 30 (1) of the Electronic Transactions Act [Cap 442 R.E 2022] safeguards online consumers. To the contrary, section 30 (5) (c) of the Electronic Transactions Act [Cap 442 R.E 2022] excludes online consumers of perishable goods. The intention was genuine and clear, as foodstuffs and beverages are perishable goods, but the implementation of the section is likely to exploit bona fide consumers where goods supplied are unfit or do not correspond with descriptions. Moreover, section 30 (5) (c) of the Electronic Transactions Act [Cap 442 R.E 2022] directly contradicts sections 15, 16 (b), and 36 (i) (ii) of the Sale of Goods Act [Cap 214 R.E 2002]. Consumers of foodstuffs and beverages in the digital age need to be addressed to ensure standards, health, and quality of goods. Consumers are solicited to transact through online advertisements, which in most cases consist of product labels and descriptions that are intended to persuade them. Possibly, there is the likelihood that the foodstuffs and beverages to be supplied fail to meet the descriptions, standards, and quality that persuaded online consumers to enter into electronic commerce; however, consumers are bound to take them. This article aims to navigate online consumer protection on foodstuffs and beverages in Tanzania. Through doctrinal research methodology, it finds that the Tanzanian legal framework does not adequately protect online consumers of foodstuffs and beverages. This study recommends the amendment of the Electronic Transactions Ac
Legal Approaches to Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Comparative Analysis between Tanzania and El Salvador
Get PDFThis study makes a comparative analysis of cryptocurrency regulatory approaches between Tanzania and the Republic of El Salvador. It aims at appraising the legal framework regulating cryptocurrency in Tanzania and to compare it with El Salvador’s comprehensive model, with a view to identifying best practices Tanzania can emulate. Employing the doctrinal legal research methodology, the study draws from statutes, judicial decisions, policy documents, and other scholarly works to analyse the legal and institutional dimensions of cryptocurrency regulation in both jurisdictions. The final analysis of this study has unveiled that Tanzania lacks a specific statute on cryptocurrency, depending instead on sectoral legislations, administrative circulars, and general provisions within financial, taxation, and competition legislations. This fragmented approach has led to regulatory ambiguity, unreliable consumer protection, and limited enforcement mechanisms. By contrast, El Salvador has established a comprehensive regime granting cryptocurrency legal tender status and addressing issues related to taxation, licensing, AML/CFT compliance, and consumer safeguards. The article concludes that Tanzania should adopt a robust statutory framework that clearly defines cryptocurrency, regulates digital asset service providers, and enhances regulatory capacity. It further highlights the need for a balanced approach that encourages financial innovation while guaranteeing market integrity, consumer protection, and economic stabilit
Digital Lending Regulation in Tanzania: Lessons from Kenya and Policy Insights
Get PDFDigital lending has emerged as a transformative force for financial inclusion in Tanzania, offering accessible credit to populations underserved by traditional banking. However, its rapid proliferation presents significant regulatory challenges, including insufficient consumer protection, weak data privacy safeguards, unstandardized interest rates, and fragmented oversight. These gaps expose borrowers to potential exploitation and undermine the sector's stability and transparency. This article critically examines Tanzania's legal and regulatory framework for digital lending, highlighting weaknesses in licensing, supervision, and enforcement that hinder a sustainable digital financial ecosystem. Through a comparative analysis, the study draws insights from Kenya's more advanced regulatory model, which emphasises mandatory licensing, centralised oversight, enforceable electronic contracts, and robust data protection. The analysis positions digital lending at the intersection of fintech and ICT law, underscoring the critical role of legal governance in mediating technological innovation. The article proposes key policy recommendations for Tanzania, focusing on consolidating regulatory instruments, strengthening consumer protection mechanisms, standardising interest rate guidelines, and enhancing data privacy enforcement. It further advocates for harmonising national regulations with East African Community standards, building regulatory capacity, and promoting financial literacy. By addressing these regulatory lacunae, Tanzania can foster a digital lending environment that balances innovation with financial stability, transparency, and accountability. This alignment with regional best practices can reduce non-performing loans, enhance consumer confidence, and advance inclusive and sustainable financial systems
The Potentials of Religious Tourism in Uganda: Implications for Local Economic Development in Northern Uganda
Get PDFThis article explores the potential and implications of religious tourism in promoting local economic development in Uganda, with particular emphasis on Northern Uganda. The study pursued three main objectives: (i) to investigate the potential of religious tourism sites and shrines in Northern Uganda; (ii) to explore the interconnections between pilgrimage, celebrations, and ceremonies in enhancing local economic development; and (iii) to assess the broader implications of religious tourism for local economic development. The study highlights the limited knowledge on the potential and the contribution of religious tourism to local economic development. To address this gap, it employed a theoretical framework informed by the push-pull factor theory and Community-driven development theory. A multi-sited case study design was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential, interconnection, and contributions of religious tourism to local economic development. Data were collected through narratives, observations, and documentary reviews, and were analysed using narrative and thematic approaches. Preliminary findings revealed that religious tourism holds considerable potential for stimulating local economic development in the region, provided that its opportunities are strategically harnessed. Furthermore, the findings indicate that there are interconnections between pilgrimage, celebrations and ceremonies as well as debatable implications of religious tourism to local economic development. The findings carry important implications for development planning and community engagement. It is anticipated that this study will contribute to bridging the existing knowledge gap by recommending a systematic mapping and development of both existing and potential religious tourism sites and shrines across the country. Remedies lie in looking at the religion tourism as a resource for local economic not only for spirituality anchored on a proactive policy, Community-focused development planning, based on bottom-up intervention strategies