Kisumu County dissemination meeting

The University of Nairobi PEARLS Study team participated in a stakeholder engagement and dissemination meeting in Kisumu County on 20th May, 2025, to share findings from the PEARLS Cohort phase and discuss preparations for the rollout of the MATRIX phase.

The meeting brought together county health leadership led by Dr. Fredrick Odhiambo, the Director Public Health Kisumu County, healthcare providers, researchers, and implementing partners to review evidence on pre-eclampsia prediction and prevention, maternal health outcomes, and opportunities for strengthening antenatal care services.

Key discussions focused on lessons learned from the cohort phase, facility readiness for MATRIX implementation, integration of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence-enabled ultrasound and retinal imaging, and strategies to enhance early risk identification among pregnant women. Participants emphasized the importance of early ANC attendance, strengthened community-facility linkages, continuity of care, and capacity building for healthcare workers.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of Kisumu County, participating facilities, and the University of Nairobi to work collaboratively towards reducing preventable maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality through evidence-based interventions, research, and innovation.

Special thanks to Kisumu County Referral Hospital(KCRH), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital(JOOTRH), Lumumba Sub County Hospital, Kuoyo Health Centre who were part of the successful story of PEARLS Cohort Phase.

The dissemination meeting was well represented by the leadership under Prof Zahida Qureshi, Prof Alfred Osoti, Dr.George Gwako, Dr.Rosa Chemwey, Dr.George Mugendi, Ms. Jenipher Okore, Mr. Mark Sigei, Ms. Teresiah Maina and Ms. Wendy Kagwima.