We are entering the fourth week of our stay here in Kisumu, Kenya, and it has been nothing short of incredible. We arrived just one week before the training began, so we knew our first week would be busy. Just to give a bit of background, we are helping with the R33 study, which aims to assess the effects of the use of mSAADA—a mobile health app—on HPV screening and treatment. The study encompasses 12 clinics, 6 control (no app), and 6 intervention (use mSAADA). While we had done as much as we possibly could before arriving, nothing compares to actually being in the work, and during our first week, we dove headfirst into the R33 and mSAADA world.
As Dr. Huchko was also present during our first week, we worked closely with her and the team to finalize the materials for training the Community Health Promoters (CHPs). Sierra got to work closely with Evans modifying mSAADA and creating the training slides for that, Ella created the master doc of slides for the trainings as well as other educational presentations, and I worked on creating job aides and the flipchart slides to aid the CHPs while on the job. My favorite activity so far has been traveling to the health facilities in Siaya for the CHP trainings. On our first day of training for the control arm, we were greeted with many exuberant songs and dances from the CHPs! Training days may have been long, but the CHPs made sure that the energy was high with many celebratory claps for the speakers and lots of singing throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the mentorship part of the training, where the RAs helped the CHPs get accustomed to doing the job tasks. It was nice seeing how CHPs implemented what they learned in the training, but also being able to observe and figure out how to make the CHPs job easier. We noticed that the CHPs didn’t always address the eligibility criteria for getting screened, which could result in a lot of confusion for clients, so we created a flowchart diagram that makes it easy to explain.
Role play between two CHPs about how to do HPV self-sampling
I also loved the mentorship days because we were able to see the health facilities, and I noticed some had much better upkeep than others. I was concerned about whether the stability of the facility infrastructure would deter clients and make them more wary of getting screening done there, but one of the team members—Florence—assured us that clients generally place a lot of trust in the CHPs. Being in the field and watching the screening get done and seeing just how many women get screened kind of puts it all into perspective and reaffirms that the work we are doing here is important. This experience has made me realize how important it is to take initiative and be creative when trying to problem-solve in global health settings. It’s also taught me a lot about collaborative work and adapting quickly in new environments.
Outside of our work, we have gotten the opportunity to volunteer at the Garden of Hope Nursery. Sierra and I got to help with getting the kids’ initial assessment, and Ella got to help with distributing medications. My favorite part about our visit was playing with the kids! They have so much energy, and were very excited to play games with us.
We have also gotten the opportunity to help Anne, Sydney, and Melat with Jali Watoto—a childcare center at Lumumba Hospital, where parents can leave their kids while going to their appointments. We got our hands and clothes dirty helping them paint a new center they are opening up in Migosi Sub County Hospital. Also, during our first weekend, Sierra went to Maasai Mara, and Ella and I got to visit Kakamega Forest with Dr. Kelly Hunter and her devoted driver, Oscar.
As we begin this new week and hit pause on the CHP trainings, I am excited to regroup and assess what is working well and what isn’t, reflect on the first round of control and intervention trainings, and get to work more with the Kisumu team. Between the office and volunteering at Jali Watoto or Garden of Hope, we have been maximizing our time here in Kisumu and plan to see more sites. I think it’s safe to say that we have felt very welcome here in Kisumu, and I am excited to see what we accomplish by the end of July!