Cynthia Khamala Wangamati

• Ahmed, Soheir H; Kiruja, Jonah; Solieman, Ayanle & Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala (2023). Health research systems in Somaliland: a qualitative study on perspectives of government and non-governmental staff. Frontiers in Health Services. ISSN 2813-0146. 3. doi: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1225141. Show summary

  Background: Globally, the importance of effective national health research systems has gained considerable attention. Literature indicates low research output in Africa; Africa accounts for only 2% of the world’s research output and 1.3% of global publications. In Somaliland, where provision of quality healthcare services is crucial, understanding and enhancing the health research system is a critical endeavor. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of government and non- governmental stakeholders on the health research systems in Somaliland. Method: The study employed an exploratory qualitative study design that entailed in-depth interviews with participants. Thirty-four study participants were interviewed; they included key persons in the academic and health sector, government and international and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in health research systems. A semi structured interview guide was used to conduct the in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants. The collected data was analyzed thematically. Findings: We found that there was no national health research center in Somaliland. The country also lacked a national health research policy. There was limited funding for research, funds were mostly from international organisations and researchers’ own funds. In addition, staff working in research centers were ill equipped to conduct research and study participants highlighted the need for national health research governance. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of health research systems in Somaliland. We recommend the establishment of a national health research institute, development of a national health research policy and priorities, allocation of sufficient and sustainable funding, capacity building of staff and strengthening of the national health research governance in health research systems.

• Seralegne, Yemisrach Zewdie; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Bernabe, Rosemarie de la Cruz; Farsides, Bobbie; Aseffa, Abraham & Zewdie, Martha (2022). Composition and capacity of Institutional Review Boards, andchallenges experienced by members in ethics reviewprocesses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: An exploratory qualitative study. Developing World Bioethics. ISSN 1471-8731. p. 1–9. doi: 10.1111/dewb.12348. Show summary

  Few studies in sub‐Saharan Africa evaluate Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) ca-pacity. The study aims to explore the composition of IRBs, training, and challengesexperienced in the ethics review processes by members of research institutions anduniversities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Our findings indicate that most IRBs memberswere trained on research ethics and good clinical practice. However, majorityperceived the trainings as basic. IRB members faced several challenges including:investigators wanting rapid review; time pressure; investigators not followingchecklists; limited expertise in reviewing clinical trials, studies on genetics, and tra-ditional medicine; lack of IRB offices for administrative work; competing tasks;limited staffing and the lack of a standardized review system. There is need foradvanced training on research ethics to meet the evolving research needs. In addi-tion, investments in IRBs are needed in terms of funding, and physical and humanresources in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia in general

• Ahmed, Salma A.E; Changole, Josephine & Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate partner violence in Sudan, Malawi and Kenya. Reproductive Health. ISSN 1742-4755. doi: 10.1186/s12978-021-01272-y.
• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala (2020). Comprehensive sexuality education in sub-Saharan Africa: adaptation and implementation challenges in universal access for children and adolescents. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM). ISSN 2641-0397. 28(2). doi: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1851346.
• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala & Sundby, Johanne (2020). The ramifications of COVID-19 on maternal health in Kenya. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM). ISSN 2641-0397. 28(1). doi: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1804716.
• Eljailani Ahmed, Salma; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala & Combs Thorsen, Viva (2020). Childbirth experiences of Sudanese women living with obstetric fistula - A qualitative study . Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. ISSN 1877-5756. doi: 10.1016/j.srhc.2020.100532.
• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Sundby, Johanne; Chimaraoke, Izugbara; Nyambedha, Erick Otieno & Prince, Ruth Jane (2019). Challenges in Supporting Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Kenya: A Qualitative Study of Government and Non-governmental Organizations . Journal of Interpersonal Violence. ISSN 0886-2605. doi: 10.1177/0886260519846864.
• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Yegon, Gladys; Sundby, Johanne & Prince, Ruth Jane (2019). Sexualised violence against children: A review of laws and policies in Kenya. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM). ISSN 2641-0397. 27(1). doi: 10.1080/26410397.2019.1586815. Full text in Research Archive
• Wangamati, Cynthia; Sundby, Johanne & Prince, Ruth Jane (2018). Communities’ perceptions of factors contributing to child sexual abuse vulnerability in Kenya: a qualitative study. Culture, Health and Sexuality. ISSN 1369-1058. 20(12), p. 1394–1408. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1438666.
• Wangamati, Cynthia; Gele, Abdi Ali & Sundby, Johanne (2017). Post rape care provision to minors in Kenya: An assessment of health providers? Knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. ISSN 0886-2605. 35(5-6), p. 1415–1441. doi: 10.1177/0886260517696863.
• Wangamati, Cynthia; Combs Thorsen, Viva; Gele, Abdi Ali & Sundby, Johanne (2016). Postrape care services to minors in Kenya: are the services healing or hurting survivors? International Journal of Women's Health. ISSN 1179-1411. 8, p. 249–259. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S108316. Show summary

  Abstract: Child sexual abuse is a global problem and a growing concern in Sub-Saharan Africa. It constitutes a profound violation of human rights. To address this problem, Kenya has established the Sexual Offences Act. In addition, Kenya has developed national guidelines on the management of sexual violence to grant minors access to health care. However, little is known about the experiences of sexually abused minors when they interact with the health and legal system. Accordingly, this study uses a triangulation of methods in the follow-up of two adolescent girls. Health records were reviewed, interactions between the girls and service providers were observed, in-depth interviews were conducted with the girls, and informal discussions were held with guardians and service providers. Findings indicated that the minors’ rights to quality health care and protection were being violated. Protocols on postrape care delivery were unavailable. Furthermore, the health facility was ill equipped and poorly stocked. Health providers showed little regard for informed assent, confidentiality, and privacy while offering postrape care. Similarly, in the justice system, processing was met with delays and unresponsive law enforcement. Health providers and police officers are in grave need of training in sexual and gender-based violence, its consequences, comprehensive postrape care, and sexual and reproductive health rights to ensure the protection of minors’ rights. Health administrators should ensure that facilities are equipped with skilled health providers, medical supplies, and equipment. Additionally, policies on the protection and care of sexually abused minors in Kenya require amendment.

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• Gele, Abdi; Mahmud, Amina Jama; Kumar, Bernadette Nirmal; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Duale, Hodan A & Malik, Mamunur Rahman [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Editorial: Encouraging health research productivity in complex humanitarian crises: Somalia. Frontiers in Public Health. ISSN 2296-2565. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377036.
• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Mdala, Ibrahimu; Ogutu, Beatrice; Sokoine, Kudely; Ochieng, Moureen & Majikata, Sabrina [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Assessment of whole school approach intervention to reduce violence affecting children in and around schools in Kenya and Tanzania: Protocol for a before-and-after, mixed-methods pilot study. BMJ Open. ISSN 2044-6055. 12(5). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055231.
• Wangamati, Cynthia (2018). Why attitudes towards sexual violence in Kenya need a major refresh.

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