Browsing by Author "Tugonza Akiro F."

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    Effectiveness of Community Health Worker-Led Interventions versus Routine Care on Malaria Prevention in Children under Five: A Narrative Review
    (Research Invention Journal f Research in Medical Sciences, 2025) Tugonza Akiro F.
    Malaria continues to pose a significant threat to the health and survival of children under five, particularly in sub Saharan Africa, where healthcare access is limited. Community Health Worker (CHW)-led interventions have emerged as an effective strategy to bridge gaps in malaria prevention, offering culturally aligned, community-based care that complements routine facility-based services. This narrative review evaluated the comparative effectiveness of CHW-led interventions versus routine care in preventing malaria among children under five. The article synthesized evidence from peer-reviewed studies and program evaluations to highlight how CHWs improve access to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), facilitate early detection of febrile illnesses, enhance caregiver education, and foster prompt treatment-seeking behavior. A narrative synthesis methodology was employed, drawing from a wide range of empirical studies and policy documents to evaluate implementation outcomes and contextual relevance. Findings indicated that CHW-led interventions result in higher ITN usage, earlier treatment initiation, and improved caregiver satisfaction compared to routine facility care. Despite these benefits, challenges persist, including variable training quality, limited supervision, logistical constraints, and sustainability issues. The review underscored the need for better integration of CHWs into national health systems, investment in supportive infrastructure, and community engagement to maximize their impact. CHW-led models offer a promising, scalable solution for reducing malaria burden in vulnerable pediatric populations.
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    Ethnomedical Beliefs and Biomedical Interventions: Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care in Eastern Nigeria
    (Research Invention Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2025) Tugonza Akiro F.
    Cancer care in Eastern Nigeria is marked by a complex interaction between ethnomedical beliefs and biomedical interventions. While biomedical approaches, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, provide advanced treatment options, traditional healing practices remain deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric. Many patients rely on traditional healers for both physical and spiritual care, often due to economic, cultural, and social factors. This review explores the role of ethnomedical beliefs in shaping cancer diagnosis, treatment choices, and patient adherence to biomedical therapies. It also examines the challenges of integrating traditional and biomedical systems in cancer care, with an emphasis on culturally sensitive interventions, community engagement, and collaborative models. By highlighting successful integration efforts, such as community-based training for traditional healers and faith-based outreach initiatives, the review proposes pathways for enhancing cancer care outcomes. The study underscores the need for a more inclusive, patient-centered approach that respects cultural beliefs while improving access to effective biomedical treatments.