Policy Briefs

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Browsing Policy Briefs by Author "Ayah, Richard"

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    Oxygen Access and Affordability in Health Facilities in Kenya
    (University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Ogot, Madara; Ayah, Richard; Muriuki, Rita; Nyangaya, James
    Medical Oxygen can represent a significant cost to hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Contributors to the high cost include logistical challenges in transporting oxygen that also lead to intermittent availability. The high oxygen cost to the patient can limit use or lead to early discharge. Even where oxygen is in government health facilities and hospitals, its high cost often leads to periods of unavailability. Oxygen concentrators are portable devices that remove nitrogen from the air and are able to produce oxygen at concentrations of 85%-95%. Although the use of concentrators could solve the supply chain problems of oxygen cylinders, concentrators come with their own host of challenges. These include the need for a continuous, reliable supply of electricity (often not available in LMICs), a robust system for monitoring, maintenance and repair, and a clinical staff trained in their use.
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    Sanitation challenges, groundwater perspectives and their intertwined relationships in Kisumu, Kenya
    (University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Kanoti, Japhet; Olago, Daniel; Akech, Nobert; Nyamoi, Christopher; Dulo, Simeon; Ayah, Richard; Taylor, Richard
    This research under the AfriWatSan project assessed groundwater and sanitation challenges based on field surveys, sampling, analyses, and interviews, as well as reviews of the literature and historical borehole data in Kisumu, Kenya. Previous studies in the area have shown that the number of shallow wells, buildings, unimproved pit latrines and sanitary risks have increased tremendously between 1999 and 2019. This study confirmed that the main water and sanitation challenges in Kisumu are (1) inadequate, poor and deteriorating water quality, (2) poor waste disposal management systems, and (3) poor sanitation services. There is a need for the introduction of new and sustainable groundwater approaches supported by science and decision-making processes that involve all stakeholders. Current deficiencies in the provision of adequate water and dignified sanitation to the poor in Kisumu can be remedied through improved knowledge of shallow aquifer dynamics and innovative research. It was noted that apart from the donor agencies and multi-national NGOs, private investors are unwilling to invest in water projects in Kisumu due, in part, to government legislation that constrains the cost that may be levied on water.