Migori

Researchers are evaluating a two-way text message system called MAMMS IYCF designed to help caregivers of HIV-exposed children aged 6 to 24 months in Kenya monitor and improve their childs nutritional status at home. The study aims to see if this system reduces malnutrition rates, speeds recovery, lowers hospitalizations and deaths, and positively affects caregiver behavior around feeding and healthcare trust. The trial compares this new approach to the standard care following Kenyan national guidelines. Caregiver-child pairs are randomly assigned to either the MAMMS IYCF group or the standard of care group and followed for about six months. In the MAMMS IYCF group, caregivers receive weekly educational messages and are trained to measure their childs arm circumference using MUAC tapes, then report the color outcome via SMS. If a concerning measurement is reported, caregivers are contacted to bring their child for clinical assessment and treatment. The standard care group receives SMS reminders only, with nutritional monitoring and treatment provided during routine clinic visits. Participants attend follow-up visits at 90 and 180 days for medical exams, growth measurements, and surveys on child health and caregiver knowledge. Caregiver experiences with the SMS system are also assessed through questionnaires and interviews. The study tracks outcomes like malnutrition incidence, hospitalizations, deaths, feeding practices, and healthcare trust. All SMS services are free, and caregivers can ask health questions via the messaging system. The total participation lasts around six months with ongoing support and monitoring.

This research aims to improve care for youth living with HIV in Kenya by scaling up an evidence-based Adolescent Transition Package ATP. The study evaluates how well a youth-led, data-driven implementation strategy ATP-YES supports the transition from pediatric to adult HIV care compared to the standard of care. It focuses on improving youth readiness to transition, viral suppression, retention in care, and overall health outcomes using a cluster randomized controlled trial design involving 32 clinics across four counties. The study compares two approaches standard of care implementation using a trainer of trainers ToT method and an enhanced ATP-YES strategy that includes youth-led data audits, feedback, and collaborative learning cycles. Existing healthcare workers at clinics will deliver the ATP during routine visits over a 36-month intervention period. Youth aged 10-24 will be offered the ATP, with those aged 15-24 invited to participate in surveys and focus groups. Clinics are randomized 11 to either intervention or control arms. Participants will be involved in surveys, focus groups, and routine medical record reviews. Healthcare workers will provide feedback through interviews and continuous quality improvement activities. The study tracks outcomes such as ATP reach, adoption by providers, fidelity of implementation, viral suppression, retention, and transition readiness over 42 months. Costs and budget impacts of the ATP-YES strategy will also be evaluated. The project includes youth advisory boards and collaboration with Kenyan health authorities to ensure alignment with national priorities.