From the Field

Paul Otieno Ogutu is the study driver for the Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention (CCSP) Team. He is an integral part of the team, making sure that the CCSP team gets to study sites across the Nyanza Province of Kenya. From site visits in preparation for the launch of the new mSaada phase and setting up U54 health fairs in Siaya County, to enrolling clients in the Pocket colposcope project in Kisumu County, Paul is responsible for the transportation of the CCSP team. Keep reading to learn more about him! Question: What does your work position look like and what kind of things are you doing on a daily basis? Answer: I am the Study driver. My responsibilities include checking on the condition of the vehicle every morning, taking study staff to the study sites, and any other duty assigned by the study administrator. Q: Are there any hobbies or activities that you enjoy outside of work? A: Singing gospel songs, farming, and doing...

Florence Mawere, Evans Obuto and Raphael Onyango are three important members of our research team at Kenya Medical Research Institute. Florence is responsible for keeping our lab operating smoothly and she stays on top of processing HPV screening samples. Her role is vital in making sure that women receive accurate screening results in a timely manner. Evans and Raphael are responsible for managing our data, playing key roles in analyzing the effectiveness of our many interventions and sharing results with the research community. Their dedication to promoting health in their communities is inspiring, and it is a joy to work with this team. Continue reading for a window into the lives of Florence, Evans and Raphael!   Florence Mawere – Laboratory Technician Q: What are you most looking forward to with your upcoming research? A: I am looking forward to seeing all women in our study receive successful cervical cancer treatment.   Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you or helps...

Jeniffer Ambaka and Breandan Beller Makhulo are key members of our team in Kenya. These two coordinators play leading roles in keeping our project operations running smoothly: communicating with community partners and health facility staff, staying on top of enrollment records and regulatory documentation and organizing the efforts of our team among many other responsibilities. These team members are passionate, dedicated, and a joy to work alongside. Keep reading to get to know Jeniffer and Breandan a little better!   Jeniffer Ambaka – Coordinator and Clinical Officer   Question: What inspires you to pursue your area of work? Answer: I have a passion for serving women and children. With the knowledge and skills I have I always ensure women are screened regularly and those with early signs [of disease]. Pre-cancer is managed so that they don't progress to advanced cancer. It is my responsibility to empower women with knowledge and ensure they get the right services they require without any problems.   Q: What is the most rewarding...

The research assistants on our team in Kisumu, Kenya serve in a variety of roles, all of which contribute to making the research and intervention work we do possible. This team recently conducted in-depth interviews with women and community health promoters (CHPs) who engaged with our Elimisha project. These interviews explored women’s experiences with receiving cervical cancer screening and care and their experience of stigma, and CHPs’ experiences guiding and counselling women through the process of cervical cancer screening and care. After delving into these topics with women and CHPs, this team has been working hard to transcribe, translate and review the conversations. Their dedication, curiosity, and drive to improve the lives of women and families in their communities are abundantly evident in their work. Keep reading for a window into the lives and personalities of Merceline, Moureen, Belinda and Javan! Merceline Alala Question: What is the most rewarding part of your work? Answer: The most rewarding part of my work is when a...