Cynthia Khamala Wangamati

• Meena, Devotha Adolph; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Lyakurwa, Michael Felician & Kuhumba, Shija Kevin (2026). Navigating Abortion in a Restrictive Legal Context: A Qualitative Study of Students’ Experiences in a Tanzanian University. Women's Reproductive Health. ISSN 2329-3691. doi: 10.1080/23293691.2026.2674856. Full text in Research Archive
• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Geissler, Paul Wenzel; Nyambedha, Erick Otieno & Prince, Ruth Jane (2025). Health providers’ perspectives on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-epidemic measures on maternal health services in Nairobi, Kenya: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 25(1). doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-07500-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The first case of COVID-19 in Kenya was confirmed in March 2020; the Kenyan government swiftly introduced measures to curb transmission, some of which negatively impacted maternal health services. Most research on the effects of COVID-19 on maternal health is from the perspectives of pregnant women and mothers. Our study explores health providers’ perspectives on the effect of COVID-19 on maternal health services in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods From February to May 2023, we conducted key informant interviews with 39 health providers in Nairobi County, Kenya. Study participants included medical doctors/officers, clinical officers, nurses, and community health assistants. Thematic inductive and deductive analysis were used to analyze the data; coding was done using NVIVO. Results The interviewed health providers confirmed that COVID-19 prevention and infection control measures had negatively affected maternal health services. The measures led to the temporary closure of health facilities because there was a shortage of health providers due to their deployment in isolation centers and quarantine, and some contracted COVID-19, restricted access to maternal health services, and delayed service delivery due to social distancing. Health providers stated that they faced numerous challenges, including fear of and contracting COVID-19, being overworked as they were short-staffed, limited resources, stigma from the community as they were considered infectious, and psychological distress. In addition, health providers said that the Kenyan government addressed some challenges by providing personal protective equipment, prioritizing health providers for vaccination, facilitating their movement, and providing temporary tax relief. Conclusion Our findings highlight the negative effect of COVID-19 on maternal health services in Kenya. Future pandemic preparedness should entail proper planning, staffing, training, psychosocial support, and staff motivation through the provision of risk allowance and health insurance. In addition, funds should be set aside for purchasing medical supplies, equipment, and vaccines, building isolation centres, and other contingencies.

• Tucho, Gudina Terefe; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Kumsa, Diribe Makonene & Bernabe, Rosemarie de La Cruz (2025). Perspectives of stakeholders on post-trial access arrangements in Ethiopia: a qualitative study. Global Bioethics. ISSN 1128-7462. doi: 10.1080/11287462.2025.2497599. Full text in Research Archive
• Seralegne, Yemisrach Zewdie; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Bernabe, Rosemarie de La Cruz; Mdala, Ibrahimu; Zewdie, Martha & Adane, Hawult Taye (2025). Post-trial access practices in conducted clinical trials for Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across Sub-Saharan African countries: A quantitative study. Open Research Europe. doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.18175.4. Full text in Research Archive
• Yusuf, Mariam F.; Onyango-Ouma, Washington; Muinde, Jacinta Victoria Syombua & Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala (2024). Challenges faced by community health volunteers in offering sexual and reproductive health care services to young women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khwisero and Nairobi in Kenya. Frontiers in Reproductive Health. doi: 10.3389/frph.2024.1491093. Full text in Research Archive
• 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. 3. doi: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1225141. Full text in Research Archive 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. Full text in Research Archive 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. doi: 10.1186/s12978-021-01272-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The COVID-19 infection control and prevention measures have contributed to the increase in incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and negatively impacted access to health and legal systems. The purpose of this commentary is to highlight the legal context in relation to IPV, and impact of COVID-19 on IPV survivors and IPV prevention and response services in Kenya, Malawi, and Sudan. Whereas Kenya and Malawi have ratified the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and have laws against IPV, Sudan has yet to ratify the convention and lacks laws against IPV. Survivors of IPV in Kenya, Malawi and Sudan have limited access to quality health care, legal and psychosocial support services due to COVID-19 infection control and prevention measures. The existence of laws in Kenya and Malawi, which have culminated into establishment of IPV services, allows a sizable portion of the population to access IPV services in the pandemic period albeit sub-optimal. The lack of laws in Sudan means that IPV services are hardly available and as such, a minimal proportion of the population can access services. Civil society’s push in Kenya has led to prioritisation of IPV services. Thus, a vibrant civil society, committed governments and favourable IPV laws, can lead to better IPV services during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

• Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala & Sundby, Johanne (2020). The ramifications of COVID-19 on maternal health in Kenya. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM). 28(1). doi: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1804716. Full text in Research Archive
• Ahmed, Salma Eljailani; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala & Thorsen, Viva Combs (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. Full text in Research Archive
• 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). 28(2). doi: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1851346. Full text in Research Archive
• 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. Full text in Research Archive
• 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). 27(1), p. 1586815–1586815. doi: 10.1080/26410397.2019.1586815. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major global health challenge. Extant literature shows that CSA is prevalent in Kenya. As a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Kenyan government is mandated to ensure that children are protected from sexual abuse through sound laws and policies. This paper reviews existing laws and policies on CSA and highlights their strengths and weaknesses. Our findings indicate that laws on child protection exist and are protective to a large extent, as harsh penalties are outlined for sexual offences. Survivors of CSA are entitled to free legal and medical services. However, there are no reparations offered to survivors in criminal proceedings. Moreover, there is no legislation on age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education which plays an important role in cultivating positive gender norms and describing what constitutes CSA and reporting procedures. The national standard operating procedures for the management of sexual violence against children lack CSA screening procedures. There is urgent need for review of these laws and policies and development of multisectoral protocols at the national and county level, that outline roles and responsibilities for various service providers, supervisory and accountability measures and referral networks.

• 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. Full text in Research Archive
• 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. Full text in Research Archive
• Wangamati, Cynthia; Thorsen, Viva Combs; 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. 8, p. 249–259. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S108316. Full text in Research Archive 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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• Kwiatkowska, Anna Julia; Frøiland, Solveig; Miltenburg, Andrea Solnes & Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala (2025). A protocol for a systematic review of health consequences of conflict-related sexual violence (2015–2024). doi: 10.1186/s13643-025-02874-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is a public health issue affecting thousands of survivors and with long-term consequences; however, it is underreported and difficult to investigate. This systematic review, covering 2015 to 2024, will explore sexual violence in conflict zones, extract and summarize the various reported health outcomes, and address knowledge gaps. Methods Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies will be included to explore the physical, mental, and social consequences of sexual violence. The WHO definition of sexual violence will guide the review to ensure consistency and alignment with global standards. Search terms will be selected with the assistance of a health information specialist and based on previous research. Only peer-reviewed articles will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts.. Selected articles will be assessed for quality using the MMAT tool. Covidence will be used to assist in the study selection and data extraction. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the reported health consequences of CRSV. Key research questions include the following: how sexual violence is defined in the literature; its physical, mental, and social health consequences; how perpetrators and the type of sexual violence are portrayed; and the contextual factors that facilitate or hinder such violence in conflict settings. Discussion In light of ongoing global conflicts, this review will address the urgent need to understand the health consequences of CRSV. Building on previous work, including Ba and Bhopal (Public Health 1(142):121–35, 2017) and to supplement Rubini et al. (Int J Equity Health 27(22):1–227, 2023), this study integrates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research within a Biopsychosocial Model (Engel, Fam Syst Med 1977:317–31, 1992) framework to provide a holistic perspective on CRSV. Recognizing challenges such as underreporting by the survivors—shaped by stigma, safety concerns, and survivor agency (Mannergren-Selimovic, Peacebuilding 30:1–15, 2018)—this review also considers how perpetrators and experiences are portrayed. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD42024503037).

• Seralegne, Yemisrach; Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala; Bernabe, Rosemarie de La Cruz; Mdala, Ibrahim; Zewdie, Martha & Adane, Hawult (2024). Post-trial access practice in Malaria, Tuberculosis, and NTDs Clinical Trial studies in Sub-Saharan African countries, quantitative study. doi: https:/zenodo.org/records/13752053. Full text in Research Archive
• Yusuf, Mariam Florence & Wangamati, Cynthia Khamala (2024). Challenges faced by community health volunteers in offering sexual and reproductive health care services to young women during the Covid-19 pandemic in Khwisero and Nairobi in Kenya. Full text in Research Archive
• 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. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377036. Full text in Research Archive
• 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. 12(5). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055231. Full text in Research Archive

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