Featured Article

• Tshimanga M, Makunike-Chikwinya B, Mangwiro T, Tapiwa Gundidza P, Chatikobo P, Murenje V, Herman-Roloff A, Kilmark PH, Holec M, Gwinji G, Mugurungi O, Murwira M, Xaba S, Barnhart S, Feldacker C. Safety and efficacy of the PrePex device in HIV-positive men: A single-arm study in Zimbabwe. PLoS One. 2017 Dec 8;12(12):e0189146. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189146. eCollection 2017.

Uptake of male circumcision (MC) may be reduced in settings where HIV testing is a requirement—or a perceived requirement—for MC. This study was a one-arm, open-label, prospective study in HIV-positive men in Zimbabwe to assess the safety and efficacy of the PrePex MC device. After the PrePex MC device was placed and removed, men would return for weekly visits and on day 90 for the team to assess wound healing.

The study found that MC using PrePex is safe and effective for healthy HIV-positive men. Researchers also conclude that reducing the barrier of HIV testing while improving counseling for safer sex practice among all MC clients could increase MC uptake.

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Botswana

• Kleinman NJ, Mawandia S, Kwaadira B, Broz J, Matumi H, Moumakwa R, Semo BW, Ledikwe J. Increasing Tuberculosis Register Data Quality in Botswana with Continuous Quality Improvement Activities. Qual Prim Care. 2018 March 23; 25(2):45-48.
• Ledikwe JH, Kleinman NJ, Mpho M, H Mothibedi, S Mawandia, B Semo, G O’Malley. Associations between healthcare worker participation in workplace wellness activities and job satisfaction, occupational stress and burnout: a cross-sectional study in Botswana. BMJ Open. 2018 Mar 16; 8(3): e018492. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018492
• Semo B, Wirth KE, Ntsuape C, Barnhart S, Kleinman NJ, Ramabu N, Broz J, Ledikwe JH. Modifying the health system to maximize voluntary medical male circumcision uptake: a qualitative study in Botswana. HIV/AIDS (Auckland, NZ). 2017 Dec 18; 10(1-8). doi: 10.2147/HIV.S144407.
• Ledikwe JH, Ramabu NM, Spees, LP, Barnhart S, Ntsuape C, Semo B, Wirth KE. Early resumption of sexual activity following voluntary medical male circumcision in Botswana: A qualitative study. PLoS One. 2017 Nov 14; 12(11): e0186831. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186831.
• Ledikwe JH, Semo B, Sebego M, Mpho M, Motimedi H, Mawandia S, O’Malley G. Implementation of a national workplace wellness program for health workers in Botswana. J Occup Environ Med. 2017 Sep;59(9):867-874. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001028.
• 6th Botswana International HIV Conference. Gaborone, Botswana, August 24-27, 2016.
• Kgwaadira BT, Katlholo T, Fiebig L, Boyd R, Kuate L, Agegnehu D, Mosime W,4 Wuhib T, Dikobe W, Petlo C, Nkomo B, Avalos A, Skiles M, Philips H, Finlay-Vickers A. Anticipated Reductions in Long-Term Tuberculosis Incidence and Associated Cost Savings with Adoption of the Treat All People Living with HIV Policy in Botswana, 2016–2035. 21st International AIDS Conference. Durban, South Africa. July 18-22, 2016.
• Wirth KE, Semo BW, Ntsuape C, Ramabu NM, Otlhomile B, Plank RM, Barnhart S, Ledikwe JH. Triggering the decision to undergo medical male circumcision: a qualitative study of adult men in Botswana. AIDS Care. 2016 Jan 11:1-6. [Epub ahead of print]

Cambodia

• Perrone LA, Voeurng V, Sek S, Song S, Vong N, Tous C, Flandin JF, Confer D, Costa A, Martin R. Implementation research: a mentoring programme to improve laboratory quality in Cambodia. Bull World Health Organ. 2016;94:743–751. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.15.163824

Caribbean Region

• Scott E, Nartker A, St. Thomas S, Ali Z. Train, Transfer, and Sustain: Building Capacity for Online Learning at the University of the West Indies Diploma in the Management of HIV Infection Program. 7th Annual CUGH Global Health Conference. University of San Francisco. April 8-11, 2016.

Haiti

• Myrtil M, Puttkammer N, Gloyd S, Robinson J, Yuhas K, Domercant JW, Honoré JG, Francois K. ART Attrition across Health Facilities Implementing Option B+ in Haiti. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2018 May 20; 17. doi: 10.1177/2325958218774037.
• deRiel E, Puttkammer N, Hyppolite N, Diallo J, Wagner S, Honoré JG, Balan JG, Celestin N, Vallès JS, Duval N, Thimothé G, Boncy J, Coq NRL, Barnhart S. Success factors for implementing and sustaining a mature electronic medical record in a low-resource setting: a case study of iSanté in Haiti. Health Policy Plan. 2018 Mar 1; 33(2):237. doi: 10.1093/heapol/czx171.
• Delcher C, Puttkammer N, Arnoux, R, Francois K, Griswold M, Zaidi I, Joseph YAP, Marston B. Validating Procedures used to Identify Duplicate Reports in Haiti’s National HIV/AIDS Case Surveillance System. J Registry Manag. 2016 Spring;43(1):10-15.

India

• Anusuya GS, Chockalingam C, Gurusamy M, Nadol P, Krishnaraj R and Radhakrishnan E. Various Immunologic and Virologic Responses to Second line Antiretroviral Therapy in Tambaram, India. J AIDS Clin Res. 2016;7:8. doi: 10.4172/2155-6113.1000601.

Kenya

• Mugwanya K, Irungu E, Bukusi E, Mugo N, Odoyo J; Wamoni E; Ngure K, Morton J, Peebles K, Masyuko S, Barnabee G, Donnell D,  Barnabas R, Haberer J, O’Malley G, Baeten JM, the Partners Scale Up Team. Scale Up of PrEP Integrated in Public Health HIV Care Clinics: A Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster-Randomized Roll Out in Kenya. Implement Sci. 2018 Sep 4;13(1):118. doi: 10.1186/s13012-018-0809-7
• Fairbanks J, Beima-Sofie K, Akinyi P, Matemo D, Unger J, Kinuthia J, O’Malley G, Drake A, John-Stewart G, Ronen K. You Will Know That Despite Being HIV Positive You Are Not Alone: Qualitative Study to Inform Content of a Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2018 Jul 19;6(7):e10671. doi: 10.2196/10671.
• Velonjara J, Crouthamel B, Wiggins M, Matemo D, John-Stewart G, O’Malley G, Unger J, Kinuthia J, Drake A.  Motherhood increases family planning support among Kenyan adolescents. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2018 Jun;16:124-131. doi: 10.1016/j.srhc.2018.03.002. Epub 2018 Mar 15.
• Wagner A, O’Malley G, Firdawsi O, Mugo C, Njuguna I, Maleche-Obimbo E, Inwani I, Wamalwa D, John-Stewart G, Slyker J. Disclosure, consent, opportunity costs, and inaccurate risk assessment deter pediatric HIV testing: a mixed methods study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2018 Apr 1;77(4):393-399. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000001614.
• Ronen K,  Unger J, Drake A, Perrier T, Akinyi P, Osborn L, Matemo D, O’Malley G,  Kinuthia J, John-Stewart G. SMS messaging to improve ART adherence: perspectives of pregnant HIV-infected women in Kenya on HIV-related message content. AIDS Care. 2018 Apr;30(4):500-505. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1417971. Epub 2017 Dec 18.
• Muthee V, Bochner AF, Osterman A, Liku N, Akhwale W, Kwach J, Prachi M, Wamicwe J, Odhiambo J, Onyango F, Puttkammer N. The impact of routine data quality assessments on electronic medical record data quality in Kenya. PLoS One. 2018 Apr 18;13(4). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195362
• Muthee V, Bochner AF, Kang’aa S, Owiso G, Akhwale W, Wanyee S, Puttkammer N. Site readiness assessment preceding the implementation of a HIV care and treatment electronic medical record system in Kenya. Int J Med Inform. 2018 January;109:23–29.
• Kang’a S, Puttkammer N, Wanyee S, et al. A National Standards-Based Assessment on Functionality of Electronic Medical Records Systems Used in Kenyan Public-Sector Health Facilities. Int J Med Inform. 2017 Jan;97:68-75. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2016.09.013. Epub 2016 Sep 23.
• O’Hara E, Nuche-Berenguer B, Kirui NK, Cheng SY, Chege P, Buckwater P, Laktabai J, Pastakia SD. Diabetes in rural Africa: what can Kenya show us? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2016 Oct;4(10):807-9. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(16)30086-9.
• Antilla J, Wall, L, Atelu C, Muthee V, Liku N, Puttkammer N. Building Human Capacity for Optimal Use of an Electronic Medical Record System in Kenya: Results of a Pilot Evaluation of Two eLearning Modules. 7th Annual CUGH Global Health Conference. University of San Francisco. April 8-11, 2016.
• Wirth KE, Semo BW, Ntsuape C, Ramabu NM, Otlhomile B, Plank RM, Barnhart S, Ledikwe JH. Triggering the decision to undergo medical male circumcision: a qualitative study of adult men in Botswana. AIDS Care. 2016 Aug 11:1-6.
• Muthee V, Liku N, Puttkammer N. Institutionalization of a Routine Data Quality Assessment (RDQA) Procedure for Improved Data Quality of Electronic Patient Medical Records in Kenya. 7th Annual CUGH Global Health Conference. University of San Francisco. April 8-11, 2016.

Malawi

• Tweya H, Feldacker C, Heller T, Gugsa S, Ng’ambi W, Nthala O, Kalulu M, Chiwoko J, Banda R, Makwinja A, Phiri S. 2017. Characteristics and outcomes of older HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Malawi: A retrospective observation cohort study. PLoS One. 2017; 12(7): e0180232.
• Ng’ambi W, Gugsa S, Tweya H, Girma B, Kanyerere H, Dambe I, Babaye Y, Mpunga J, Phiri S. Characteristics and management of presumptive tuberculosis in public health facilities in Malawi, 2014–2016. Public Health Action. 2017, Dec 21;7(4).
• Feldacker C, Pintye J, Jacob S, Chung MH, Middleton L, Iliffe J, Kim HN. Continuing professional development for medical, nursing, and midwifery cadres in Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa: A qualitative evaluation. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 17;12(10):e0186074. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186074.
• Kohler PK, Tippett Barr BA, Kangʼombe A, Hofstee C, Kilembe F, Galagan S, Chilongozi D, Namate D, Machaya M, Kabwere K, Mwale M, Msunguma W, Reed J, Chimbwandira F. Safety, Feasibility, and Acceptability of the PrePex Device for Adult Male Circumcision in Malawi. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2016 Jun 1;72 Suppl 1:S49-55. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000774.
• Tweya H, Feldacker C, Gadabu OJ, Ng’ambi W, Mumba SL, Phiri D, Kamvazina L, Mwakilama S, Kanyerere H, Keiser, Mwafilaso J, Kamba C, Egger M, Jahn A, Simwaka B, Phiri S. Developing a point-of-care electronic medical record system for TB/HIV co-infected patients: experiences from Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi. BMC Res Notes. 2016 Mar 5;9(1):146. doi: 10.1186/s13104-016-1943-4.
• Kohler PK, Namate D, Barnhart S, Chimbwandira F, Tippet-Barr BA, Perdue T, Chilongozi DA, Tenthani L, Phiri O, Msungama W, Holmes KK, Krieger JN. Classification and rates of adverse events in a Malawi male circumcision program: impact of quality improvement training.BMC Health Serv Res. 2016 Feb 17;16(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1305-x.
• Phiri S, Feldacker C, Chaweza T, Mlundira L, Tweya H, Speight C, Samala B, Kachale F, Umpierrez D, Haddad L. Integrating reproductive health services into HIV care: strategies for successful implementation in a low-resource HIV clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2016 Jan. pii: jfprhc-2013-100816. doi: 10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100816.

Mozambique

• Ruano Camps M, Brentlinger PE, Augusto G, Nguimfack A, Mudender F. Association of HIV/AIDS Clinician Warm Line Utilization with Diagnosis and Management of Antiretroviral Treatment Failure in Mozambique: A Retrospective Analysis of Program Data. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2017 Jul/Aug;16(4):396-404. doi: 10.1177/2325957417710720.
• Myers RS, Feldacker C, Cesár F, Paredes Z, Augusto G, Muluana C, Citao S, Mboa-Ferrao C, Karajeanes E, Golden M. Acceptability and Effectiveness of Assisted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Partner Services in Mozambique: Results From a Pilot Program in a Public, Urban Clinic. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2016 Nov;43(11):690–695. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000529
• Sathane I, Horth R, Young P, Inguane C, Nalá R, Miranda AE, Lane T, Raymond HF, Cummings B, McFarland W. Risk Factors Associated with HIV Among Men Who Have Sex Only with Men and Men Who Have Sex with Both Men and Women in Three Urban Areas in Mozambique. AIDS Behav. 2016 Apr 8. [Epub ahead of print]
• “Jornadas de Saúde” [posters in Portuguese]. Maputo, Mozambique. September 16-18, 2015.

Namibia

• Beima-Sofie KM, Brandt L, Hamunime N, Shepard M, Uusiku J, John-Stewart GC, OʼMalley G. Pediatric HIV Disclosure Intervention Improves Knowledge and Clinical Outcomes in HIV-Infected Children in Namibia. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2017 May 1;75(1):18-26. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000001290.
• MacLachlan EW, Potter K, Hamunime N, Shepard-Perry MG, Uusiku J, Simwanza R, Brandt LJ, O’Malley G. “We Are Now Free to Speak”: Qualitative Evaluation of an Education and Empowerment Training for HIV Patients in Namibia. PLoS One. 2016 Apr 7;11(4):e0153042. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153042. eCollection 2016.
• Maclachlan EW, Shepard-Perry MG, Ingo P, Uusiku J, Mushimba R, Simwanza R, Likoro J, Brandt LJ, Thomas KK, Kasonka C, Hamunime N, O’Malley G. Evaluating the effectiveness of patient education and empowerment to improve patient-provider interactions in antiretroviral therapy clinics in Namibia. AIDS Care. AIDS Care. 2016;28(5):620-7. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1124975. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

South Africa

• McConnico C, Jed SL, Marumo E, Mazibuko S, Mema GM, DeKadt J, Holmes K, Kohler P. Systems Mapping of Sexually Transmitted Infection Services at Three Clinical Sentinel Surveillance Sites in South Africa: Opportunities for Integrated Care. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2017 Jan-Feb. pii: S1055-3290(16)30121-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2016.09.004.
• Kohler PK, Marumo E, Jed SL, Mema G, Galagan S, Tapia K, Pillay E, DeKadt J, Naidoo E, Dombrowski JC, Holmes KK. A national evaluation using standardised patient actors to assess STI services in public sector clinical sentinel surveillance facilities in South Africa. Sex Transm Infect. 2017 Jan 27. pii: sextrans-2016-052930. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052930.
• Galagan S, Jed S, Sumitani J, Gilvydis JM, Bakor A, Cooke R, Naidoo E, Winters D, Weaver MR. Improving Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Treatment Monitoring in South Africa: Evaluation of an Advanced TB/HIV Course for Healthcare Workers. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2016 Dec 7;4(1): ofw248. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofw248
• Lippman S, Shade S, Sumitani J, DeKadt J, Gilvydis J, Ratlhagana M, Grignon J, Tumbo J, Gilmore H, Saberi P, Barnhart S, Steward W. Evaluation of short message service and peer navigation to improve engagement in HIV care in South Africa: study protocol for a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2016 Feb 6;17:68. doi: 10.1186/s13063-016-1190-y.

Ukraine

• Downer A, Shapoval A, Vysotska O, Yuryeva I, Bairachna T. US e-learning course adaptation to the Ukrainian context: lessons learned and way forward. BMC Med Educ. 2018 Nov 1;18(1):247. doi: 10.1186/s12909-018-1349-1.

Zimbabwe

• Feldacker C, Makunike-Chikwinya B, Holec M, Bochner AF, Stepaniak A, Nyanga R, Xaba S, Kilmarx PH, Herman-Roloff A, Tafuma T, Tshimanga M, Sidile-Chitimbire VT, Barnhart S. Implementing voluntary medical male circumcision using an innovative, integrated, health systems approach: experiences from 21 districts in Zimbabwe. Glob Health Action. 2018 Jan 11;11(1):1414997. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1414997.
• Tshimanga M, Makunike-Chikwinya B, Mangwiro T, Tapiwa Gundidza P, Chatikobo P, Murenje V, Herman-Roloff A, Kilmark PH, Holec M, Gwinji G, Mugurungi O, Murwira M, Xaba S, Barnhart S, Feldacker C. Safety and efficacy of the PrePex device in HIV-positive men: A single-arm study in Zimbabwe. PLoS One. 2017 Dec 8;12(12):e0189146. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189146. eCollection 2017.
• Bertman V, Petracca F, Makunike-Chikwinya B, Jonga A, Dupwa B, Gwashure S, Jenami N, Nartker A, Wall L, and Downer A. Health Worker Text Messaging for Training: Peer Support, and Mentoring in Pediatric and Adolescent HIV/AIDS Care: Lessons Learned in Zimbabwe. 8th Annual CUGH Global Health Conference. Washington, D.C. April 6-9, 2017.
• Feldacker C, Bochner AF, Herman-Roloff A, Holec M, Murenje V, Stepaniak A, Xaba S, Tshimanga M, Chitimbire V, Makaure S, Hove J, Barnhart S, Makunike B. Is it all about the money? A qualitative exploration of the effects of performance-based financial incentives on Zimbabwe’s voluntary male medical circumcision program. PLoS One. 2017 Mar 16;12(3):e0174047. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174047. eCollection 2017.
• Bochner AF, Feldacker C, Makunike B, Holec M, Murenje V, Stepaniak A, Xaba S, Balachandra S, Tshimanga M, Chitimbire V, Barnhart S. Adverse event profile of a mature voluntary medical male circumcision programme performing PrePex and surgical procedures in Zimbabwe. J Int AIDS Soc. 2017 Feb 20;19(1):1-6. doi: 10.7448/IAS.20.1.21394.
• Xiao Y, Bochner AF, Makunike B, Holec M, Xaba S, Tshimanga M, Chitimbire V, Barnhart S, Feldacker, C. Challenges in data quality: the influence of data quality assessments on data availability and completeness in a voluntary medical male circumcision programme in Zimbabwe. BMJ Open. 2017; 7(1): e013562. Published online 2017 Jan 27. doi:  10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013562
• I-TECH Zimbabwe. Implementing the PEPFAR Pivot: Experiences from Zimbabwe’s Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Program. International AIDS Conference. Durban, South Africa, July 18-22, 2016.
• I-TECH Zimbabwe. Adverse Event Profile of a Mature Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Program. International AIDS Conference. Durban, South Africa, July 18-22, 2016.