By Shadrack Babu, Research Associate

This year saw significant strides in our research agenda, especially in the areas of cervical cancer and HIV. Our work continues to generate meaningful insights and shape public health conversations, both locally and beyond.

Cervical Cancer Research remains a major focus. We proudly presented three abstracts at the 15th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference in Nairobi. These covered (1) the effects of health worker strikes on cervical cancer screening services, (2) reflections from the first year of CATSystem implementation, and (3) healthcare provider perspectives on treatment support for women diagnosed with cervical cancer. These presentations sparked important dialogue on service delivery and health system resilience.

In addition to conference engagement, we submitted three manuscripts for publication. Two have already been published: one detailing the CATSystem protocol, and another analyzing the availability and uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment across 19 Kenyan health facilities.

A third manuscript, on the perceived feasibility of integrated breast and cervical cancer screening, is currently under review. We also finalized a draft scoping review that assesses the current landscape of breast and cervical cancer integration in eastern Africa, which we plan to submit in the next quarter.

We made substantial progress in our qualitative pilot study in Kilifi County titled “Developing Strategies to Increase Cervical Cancer Treatment Social Support in Kenya.” Phase 1 involved 75 interviews— 15 with healthcare providers and 60 with patients and treatment supporters. Provider interviews have been transcribed, analyzed, and presented at the KEMRI-KASH Conference. Transcription of the remaining interviews is ongoing. Insights will guide the design of a mock-up mobile application (Phase 2), followed by focus group discussions to refine it (Phase 3).

On the HIV research front, preparations are underway for county-level engagement and dissemination meetings, scheduled for August 2025. These forums will share findings from our PMTCT Viral Load Monitoring study under the HITSystem 2.1. This study builds on our published protocol and offers actionable insights into how technology can support maternal and child health outcomes in HIV care.

Across all fronts, our research remains grounded in real-world implementation and local context. We are excited about the upcoming dissemination activities and the continued collaboration with county health teams, partners, and health facilities.