We have officially passed our halfway mark here in Kisumu, and time has flown by!
Picking right up where Sahil and Kelsey left off in their posts, our work on the Elimisha survey visits has continued to evolve. From our first visit to our current fifth visit at different facilities, we’ve observed significant changes. Starting with the clinics furthest from town, such as Kinasia and Nyakongo, we’ve gradually moved closer to Kisumu proper through Bunde and Ahero, and now to the Central and West Kisumu districts. As we’ve moved closer, we’ve noticed discernible differences in the facilities and the time it takes for women to complete the surveys. Women at the more distant facilities faced greater challenges with literacy and digital literacy. The conditions of the facilities themselves also differ significantly. This underscores the importance of adapting to the wide range of conditions and contexts that each site presents. It has been a powerful reminder of the necessity of adaptability in global health work. Every country, town, clinic, and individual is unique, and being able to adapt to these distinct contexts is crucial.
“It has been a powerful reminder of the necessity of adaptability in global health work.”
Observational learning has also been pivotal in our experience. Despite language barriers and our limited formal knowledge, we’ve gleaned valuable insights through observation alone. Community health promoters (CHPs) are integral to their communities, serving as the primary healthcare providers for many households. Watching CHPs interact with women during the surveys, helping them through the process with genuine care and passion, was inspiring. They radiated pride and dedication in their work. This experience has reinforced that while community health looks different worldwide, passion and genuine care remain universal catalysts for positive impact.
“This experience has reinforced that while community health looks different worldwide, passion and genuine care remain universal catalysts for positive impact.”
Beyond our fieldwork, we’ve focused on data management. In the past week, we have spent significant time conducting quality control reviews of the studies. This has involved organizing and digitizing hundreds of paper consent forms into a centralized database. We meticulously verified the consent forms through random checks to ensure proper signing and confirming the use of updated versions with accurate dates. Quality control is an essential part of the research process, crucial for maintaining the reliability, integrity, and ethical standards of data. It ensures that our research remains centered on the people’s needs by minimizing risks and maximizing the impact of data collected through global health initiatives to truly benefit communities.
Despite the tedious nature of this task, as short-term researchers, we recognize its tangible impact in lightening the team’s workload. Our efforts enable them to focus on their numerous and diverse responsibilities. The complexity of research underscores the significance of every action, no matter how small, in advancing knowledge. As student researchers, we recognize that assisting with seemingly mundane and tedious tasks can greatly enhance operational efficiency and support our colleagues’ focus on essential activities.
Looking forward to the remainder of our time here, there is much to be optimistic about. We are entering the next phase of the U54 study: mobilization. We will conduct household visits, broadcast the event with a megaphone around town, distribute flyers and posters, and engage with the community to promote the upcoming health fairs. It’s particularly exciting to see the materials and flyers we created being implemented and used during this mobilization, demonstrating that our efforts are making a real impact.
Beyond our research, there has been an undeniable push for political progress in Kenya that cannot go unmentioned. I am continually struck by the profound dedication, conviction, and care demonstrated by so many—be it activists fighting for their freedoms, CHPs championing better health, or our research team tirelessly working to improve lives. I am incredibly optimistic and grateful to be surrounded by individuals who are paving the way towards a brighter, healthier future.
“I am continually struck by the profound dedication, conviction, and care demonstrated by so many.”