PHDA – PHDA

Aspirin Study

PHDA — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:53:32 +0000

PHDA continues to collaborate with the University of Manitoba in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with the aim of developing epidemic control strategies for HIV. The study has 300 FSW enrolled in the SWOP program within Majengo, Kariobangi and Donholm clinics, in 3 phases over 3 years. Each phase has 100 women in 3 groups with different dosage of Aspirin as follows: 81mg, 325mg, no drug.

Objectives

To determine the effect of Aspirin on HIV target cells in female sex workers (FSW)
To determine the dosage of Aspirin most effective at inducing immune quiescence in FSW.

Project Initiated 2022

The study started in January 2022 and will continue for three years and end in 2024

Partnerships

Asprin study is funded by Canadian Institute of health research

PHDA Shines at PREPARED Paris Conference UNESCO Headquarters

PHDA — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:18:44 +0000

In June 2025, the PREPARED Paris Conference held at UNESCO Headquarters brought together global leaders to advance health equity, community-driven research, and human rights. PHDA was prominently represented by Dr. Joshua Kimani, Clinical Director, Ibrahim Lwanga, Community Researcher, and Joyce Adhiambo, award-winning Human Rights Advocate.

The PREPARED Project is a European Union-funded initiative aimed at strengthening the ethical preparedness of research in times of crisis, such as pandemics, conflicts, and climate emergencies. It brings together researchers, policymakers, ethics committees, and communities to create frameworks that ensure research conducted during emergencies is rapid, responsible, and respectful. Through global collaboration, PREPARED promotes trustworthy, inclusive, and locally grounded responses that balance speed with ethical integrity.

Community-Led HIV Research Wraps up

PHDA — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:54:03 +0000

As the Community Insights in Phylogenetic HIV Research (CIPHR) project draws to a close, stakeholders reflect on the journey in ethical, community-driven HIV research. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the CIPHR initiative set out to explore how molecular epidemiology specifically HIV genetic sequencing can inform more targeted and ethical HIV prevention strategies.

Through the engagement of over 1,284 participants across four key community organizations (BHESP, SWOP, ISHTAR, and HOYMAS), the project successfully combined molecular and behavioural data to identify HIV transmission clusters and emerging infection hotspots. By linking similar HIV genetic sequences and analysing viral load data, the study has shown how phylogenetic insights can support more responsive and effective programming.

CIPHR was more than just a research study as at its core was community participation and ethical reflection. An advisory group of community health activists was formed to interrogate the implications of phylogenetic methods and co-design a pilot study rooted in lived realities. This collaboration ensured that the science remained grounded in social context and community involvement

The PREPARED Code – A reminder not to forget the COVID-19 pandemic

PHDA — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:46:42 +0000

In December 2024, WHO Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management, Maria Van Kerkhove, noted that “No one wants to talk about COVID-19 … Everyone is acting as though this pandemic didn’t really happen.”

Yet, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, better preparedness for the next outbreak was a dominant driver of academic publications and political statements. Topics included: how vaccines can be produced even faster; why getting the world vaccinated is a critical test of our time; why more effective international coordination mechanisms are necessary for pandemic preparedness; and why peaceful cooperation rather than trading accusations is key to handling pandemics, among others.

In 2020, the European Commission drafted a research funding call to investigate “The challenges of research ethics and integrity in response to crisis: the coronavirus pandemic and beyond”. The main aim of the call was to improve preparedness for the next major crisis, in particular the next pandemic.

Five years later, the consortium, which won the bid, launched “The PREPARED Code – A Global Code of Conduct for Research during Pandemics” at the UNESCO on 3rd June 2025.

The code draws upon the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to inform research ethics and integrity, offering clear and jargon-free guidance across three pages, structured around the values of fairness, respect, care and honesty.

A Nature Medicine editorial welcomed the new code as “a much-needed framework to ensure that research during pandemics is trustworthy and accessible to all”.

The largest ethics code collection in the world already includes over 2,500 ethics codes and this adds yet more ethics guidance. So what makes the PREPARED Code different? I will outline in four points:

First, it is often unclear how ethics codes have been developed. Typically, they are reflective of the views of their drafters, sometime informed by consultations. The PREPARED Code, and its sister code, the TRUST Code, are different. Every article in these codes is grounded in research findings, or evidence gathered and verified during inclusive consultations. Personal drafter views did not determine the content (and I can say this confidently, as I am the lead drafter of both codes). The PREPARED Code is based on a risk-analysis, undertaken in 9 languages, combined with broad stakeholder consultations. For instance, Article 2 (“Research coordination and cooperation are essential to avoid the unnecessary duplication of studies, which could place unfair burdens on participants and waste time and resources.”) addresses a risk that is based on the extensive evidence that many clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic were inadequately powered.

Second, moral values motivate action in ways that rules on their own cannot. That is why each article in the PREPARED Code is linked to fairness, respect, care, or honesty. Every research ethics and integrity risk identified in the literature could be linked to at least one of these core moral values. For instance, not answering publishers’ research ethics questions during rushed submissions (Article 26) relates to honesty. Overlooking the heightened risks researchers may face from public hostility (Article 21) relates to care. By making links to important moral values explicit, the guidance is easier to understand and hopefully, more likely to be followed.

Third, the PREPARED Code combines guidance for research ethics and research integrity in one code. For instance, Article 14 of the Code reads: “Research must not compromise public health responses. In particular, the involvement of clinical staff in research should not affect patient care negatively”. This article is about research ethics, seeking to avoid harm from research. Article 20 of the Code reads: “In the context of uncertainty, researchers should review their study protocols regularly to ensure that new findings are taken into account as they emerge.” This article speaks to the robustness of research and therefore to research integrity. Whilst combining research ethics and integrity in one code is not entirely unprecedented, it is highly unusual. Yet it is important because “the impression that they exist as discrete entities compounds confusion about what it takes to be an ethical researcher”.

Fourth, like the TRUST Code before it, the PREPARED Code is accompanied by its own open access book published by Springer. The book, edited by Dr Kate Chatfield and Dr Michelle Singh, offers a comprehensive guide to code development, as well as practical insights into implementation and training opportunities. It thus supplements the short code, with valuable resources that are relevant to researchers, research ethics committees and research integrity offices. And for those seeking deeper engagement, each of the 27 articles of the PREPARED Code are explained in short, engaging video clips designed to inform and inspire (the full set will be completed by 31 Aug 2025).

As the editors of the PREPARED Code book emphasise: “Ultimately, we hope that this code is never needed – that the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be repeated – but science warns us otherwise.” Should pandemic research become necessary again, the PREPARED Code will be an essential tool for research ethics and integrity thanks to “its strong ethical grounding, transparent and inclusive development process, and easy accessibility”.

Courtesy of: https://impactethics.ca/2025/06/30/the-prepared-code-a-reminder-not-to-forget-the-covid-19-pandemic/

PHDA Leads Ground breaking study to reframe STBBI through the lens of place

PHDA — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:29:03 +0000

Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), in collaboration with the Institute for Global Public Health (University of Manitoba), Nairobi County, and the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), has launched a transformative research initiative to reimagine sexually transmitted and bloodborne infection (STBBI) prevention in Kenya.

Using a Program Science approach, the project prioritizes “place” as a critical lens—examining how physical, social, and organizational environments influence HIV and STBBI risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), young women who sell sex (YWSS), female sex workers (FSW), and men across Nairobi County.

The study employs a robust methodology programmatic mapping, peer led ethnography, and integrated bio-behavioural surveys to uncover the ecologies of risk and safety within more than 2,000 identified sex work locations. By identifying the geographic and social contours of vulnerability, the research aims to expose significant gaps in service access, particularly among AGYW, and to develop location-specific, high impact interventions. Findings from the study will provide essential evidence to inform Kenya’s national HIV and STBBI prevention strategies, with a focus on equity, efficiency, and context-driven programming.

A decade of impactful service

PHDA — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:04:37 +0000

In commemoration of a decade of dedicated service, Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA) organized two transformative medical camps in the neighborhoods of Kariobangi and Kawangware in Nairobi County. These camps extended healthcare access to the general population, touching the lives of over 500 individuals.

The anniversary initiative highlighted our mission of building healthy communities in Africa and through collaborative efforts of our dedicated clinic staff and the advocacy team of the Sex Workers Outreach Programme (SWOP), we provided essential medical services and support to individuals who often face barriers to healthcare access.

We set up bustling makeshift clinic stations at Dandora Chiefs Camp in Kariobangi and the County CDF offices in Kawangware, where community members sought medical assistance and guidance. The medical camps offered a comprehensive array of services tailored to address the diverse needs of the local population. This included HIV testing and counseling, diabetes testing, and blood pressure screenings. Children also received free checkup diagnoses for common diseases. In addition to these services, invaluable health education was provided to empower individuals with knowledge about maintaining their health and preventing diseases.

We express deep gratitude to the community for their steadfast support and trust. As we look towards the future, PHDA remains resolute in its commitment to ‘Reimagine the Health Equity Agenda for Marginalized populations’ through impactful interventions.

Evaluation of KP Programme in Kenya

PHDA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:21:22 +0000

The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Key Population Programme funded by the Global Fund (in the last three years) in reducing the new HIV infections by 75%, AIDS related mortality by 25% and self-reported stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS by 50% among Female Sex Workers (FSW), Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Kenya by 2025.

Objectives

Examine, appraise, and evaluate the comprehensiveness of prevention programmes for Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Men who have sex with men (MSM) and People who inject drugs (PWIDs).
Determine the literacy levels on human rights related to HIV and other barriers concerning access to health services and justice among Key Population.
Assess prevalence of gender-based violence and effectiveness of response mechanism among Key Population.
Appraise the extent to which the Global Fund programme has enhanced the capacity of the Key Population Networks in implementing KP programmes.

Project Initiated 2021

The study started in June 2021. The study population includes 46,425 FSW, 24,879 MSM, and 15,420 PWID who received comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services from January 2018 to June 2020 across 20 counties in Kenya.

Partnerships

PHDA is partnering with The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, Kenya (CCAWT) and the Mathematical Consultation Research (MCR) for this study with funding support from The Global Fund through the Kenya Red cross Society.

Heart of Stigma Project

PHDA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:17:20 +0000

The heart of stigma project aims to assess stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations (KP) in Kenya. It is a part of IAS’s global “Getting to the Heart of Stigma” project.

Objectives

Contextualise, triangulate, interrogate, validate, and enhance the evidence base in HIV-related stigma
Assess demand and supply side of the stigma equation, changes in stigma and discrimination in health care personnel and changes in perceptions and experience of the health care system from those populations who may be victims of stigma and discrimination
Review current legal and policy situations and examine how stigma is addressed in governmental agencies such as the police, other uniformed services, the legal system, schools and universities, etc. who interact with stigmatised populations.

Project Initiated 2021

This study which began in March 2021 will be conducted through a) review of stigma literature in Kenya, b) interviews with policy makers, health care workers and members of the PLHIV and KP communities. The study has already produced some preliminary findings, which were reported at the National Maisha Conference in May, organised by the National AIDS Commission (NACC).

The findings are as below

There aren’t enough interventions in Kenya that could provide an empirical measurement of success, so it is not possible to identify “critical success factors”.
Most literature and qualitative interviewees expressed their preference for service seeking options and community led initiatives wherein lay health care workers, and peer educators would provide support and help with navigating the system.
The success in reducing stigma is largely based on the government support provided for the programmes and other supportive policies which act as a deterrent, allowing interventions to take place.

Some factors that impede include:

Low investment of resources in Interventions addressing stigma.
Slow implementation of laws and policies.
Subtle forms of discrimination which are difficult to identify and hence challenging to intervene.

Partnerships

PHDA is partnering with HOYMAS on this project with funding support from the International AIDS Society (IAS).

URCHOICE A Cross-sectional Study of End-User Preferences for HIV Prevention Among MSM in Kenya

PHDA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:17:06 +0000

This study aims at understanding the knowledge and preferences of Kenyan Gay and Bi-sexual MSM (GBMSM) and transgender women regarding the use of oral PrEP. URCHOICE is a one-year multisite study targeting MSM on the preferred options for taking oral PrEP.

Objectives

The study intends to determine the preferences of men who have sex with men (MSM) towards reduce their risk of acquiring HIV in Kenya i.e. their use of condoms, daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or use of prolonged acting PrEP.

Project Initiated 2021

The one-year study began in May 2021. It intends to target 150 GBMSM at each site and 500 across all three sites. The interview data was used to assess discrete choices between possible prevention options, reasons for different choices, and potential challenges in promoting the various PrEP options, through focus group discussions.
The study saw participation from 146 out of the 150 enrolled members for the information sessions and 98 out of the 140 enrolled participants for the interviews.

Partnerships

PHDA partners with the University of Illinois, Chicago, with funding from Merck, Sharp and Dohme.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Screening and vaccination study for Men who have Sex with Men

PHDA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:16:13 +0000

This study aims to produce a solid evidence base to inform ongoing challenges in proactive responses to HPV-related health needs of MSM. MSM are at high risk for anal HPV-related infections and cancers, especially among those living with HIV. Though HIV prevalence in Kenya continues to be high, homosexuality is criminalized while HPV-related prevention and treatment needs of men (including MSM) are largely ignored.

Objectives

Produce new health services knowledge, including knowledge on HPV vaccination acceptability.
Generate social scientific insights related to experience of illness and the role stigma plays in the late presentation of HPV-related diseases.
Contribute new evidence towards enabling a community-based programme that can effectively confront a health crisis and respond to the global health alarm over emerging cancer epidemics in African contexts who are the hardest hit with respect to the HIV epidemic.

Project Initiated 2018

The study based in Nairobi started in June 2021 and will continue for four years. It will focus on men who have sex with men.

Partnerships

PHDA is partnering with the University of Manitoba on this project with funding support from Centre on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR).