Maternal and Neonatal Health

Understanding Infections in Pregnancy to Enhance Health Outcomes

Our research is driven by a passion for improving maternal and neonatal health, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. By gaining a deeper understanding of infections during pregnancy, we aim to develop strategies that protect both mothers and their newborns.

Our work contributes to enhancing the health and well-being of mothers and infants in regions heavily affected by malaria, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with pregnancy-related infections.

One of our key projects , " Systematic prioritization and initial characterization of Plasmodium falciparum vaccine antigens against pregnancy associated malaria"   is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union.

Selected  publications

1. Kanoi BN*, Waweru H, Kobia FM, Mukala J, Kirira P, Mogere D, Gallini R, Aberg M, Vatish M, Gitaka J, Kamali-Moghaddam M. Differential expression of plasma proteins in pregnant women exposed to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. medRxiv. 2024:2024-05.

2. Chenge S, Mbalitsi M, Ngure H, Obimbo M, Singoei M, Kangogo M, Kanoi BN, Gitaka J, Kobia FM. Placental malaria is associated with a TLR-Endothelin-3-oxidative damage response in human placenta tissues. bioRxiv. 2024:2024-04.

3. Mukala J, Mogere D, Kirira P, Kanoi BN, Akinyi V, Kobia F, Waweru H, Gitaka J. Knowledge, attitude and practices on intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women with malaria: a mixed method facility-based study in Western Kenya. Pan African Medical Journal. 2024;48:22. [doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.48.22.42196]

Complete list of publications can be found  here