This study systematically examines the impact of digital health solutions on reproductive healthcare in rural China employing a mixed-method approach, including qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and rural patients, analysis of government pilot projects, and review of digital healthcare policies. The methodology combines field interviews, policy research, and project data evaluation to provide a comprehensive picture of how mobile health, telemedicine, and electronic health are being implemented and experienced in the reproductive healthcare system of rural China. The findings indicate that mobile apps for reproductive health education, appointment scheduling, and remote consultations have improved timely access to family planning information and maternal care. The results of this study underline the importance of critical innovations that are beginning to be implemented in rural healthcare in China and the difficulties that must be resolved if scalable long-term success is to be obtained. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen digital health integration in rural regions, enhance training programmes for healthcare providers, and foster public-private partnerships to expand digital services.

Adolescents' risky sexual behaviour and increased teenage pregnancies have become a concern in sub-Saharan Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal province. This study explored school-going adolescents' perceptions of sexual reproductive health and rights in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was used to select 20 school-going adolescents in grades 10 to 12 using non-probability quota sampling. Individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, which were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's six steps. The findings revealed that school-going adolescents received inadequate sexual education and information from teachers, parents, and churches, and the classroom environment was too noisy and uncontrollable to promote learning. The study recommended strategies for multi-disciplinary teams to improve the quality of sexual health information available to adolescents. This contributed to addressing the concerning issue of risky sexual behaviour and teenage pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

This study analyzed the legal obstacles on the access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) by single women in mainland China, focusing on the period from 2001 to 2024, and reassessed the Chinese regulatory framework. The study employed legal text data sourced from the PKU Law database, and the case data from the China Judgments Online. Results revealed that the Chinese prevailing legislative framework prohibits single women to use ART and the courts oppose egg freezing for this group too, which creating regulatory obstacles to their reproductive rights. The study finds that the traditional concept of marriage, in which fertility is linked to marriage, and the long-standing family planning policy are at the root of China's ban on single women using ART. Prohibition-type provisions in China are challenging to adapt to changing socio-economic and technological environments and public attitudes, and should be updated to reflect global practices and legislation..

Early cancer detection remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where late diagnoses and unequal healthcare access are widespread. While digital innovations such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) offer significant promise, their successful adoption depends on enabling policy environments. This study investigates how health policy reforms influence the integration of telemedicine and AI tools for early cancer detection in four South Asian LMICs: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Employing a qualitative comparative case study design and guided by Walt and Gilson's Policy Triangle Framework, the research analyzes national health strategies, policy documents, and global development reports from 2010 to 2023. The analysis focuses on five thematic domains: policy integration, technological readiness, institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks, and health equity. India demonstrates the most comprehensive digital health alignment through centralized governance and public-sector AI pilots, while Pakistan shows moderate progress via public-private initiatives. Bangladesh and Nepal lag behind due to fragmented systems and infrastructural deficits. Common barriers include poor regulation, limited digital literacy, and socio economic disparities. The findings underscore the need for inclusive, equity-driven reforms and regional cooperation to scale digital health innovations sustainably across LMICs and strengthen cancer detection frameworks.

Millions of women face barriers to accessing contraception due to supply-side issues, including limited health facility access and contraceptive stockouts. Research on the causes of stock-outs remains scarce. This study explored contributing factors within primary health care clinics in north-eastern Namibia using a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach. Semi structured interviews were conducted with sixteen participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. The analysis revealed three main themes: contraceptive stock-outs, contraceptive supply and demand challenges, and strategies for ensuring consistent availability of contraceptives. The findings revealed that poor contraceptive stock management, theft, and supply-demand discrepancies are significant factors contributing to stock-outs. The critical issue identified was the limited pharmaceutical knowledge among staff which leads to sporadic contraceptive availability. Pharmaceutical knowledge of contraceptive procurement and supply management is needed to prevent stock out of contraceptive. The study highlights the urgent need for training healthcare personnel involved in contraceptive procurement and supply management. These insights gained from this study can assist the Ministry of Health and Social Services and stakeholders to develop targeted strategies to prevent stock-outs and improve contraceptive access in Namibia and similar settings.

Postpartum visits support breastfeeding success among informal sector workers, such as market vendors. While the government has implemented policies, facilities, education, and community support to enhance breastfeeding coverage, execution remains inadequate. Market vendors face significant challenges in breastfeeding their newborns and require comprehensive support from their families, communities, and healthcare providers. This study aims to investigate factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among traditional market traders using an observational cross-sectional design. Conducted in three North Sumatran regencies-Deli Serdang, Serdang Bedagai, and Langkat-it involved 157 participants selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected via a validated 20-question breastfeeding questionnaire, with reliability confirmed (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.6). Logistic regression analysis identified 10 significant determinants of exclusive breastfeeding: postpartum visits, maternal education, maternal employment, family support, healthcare access, breastfeeding knowledge, infant birth weight, mode of delivery, parity, and socio economic status. Among these, postpartum visits were the most influential (B = 4.137, Exp(B) = 62.608, p = 0.001). The results indicate the critical role of postpartum visits in supporting breastfeeding among market traders, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to assist them in maintaining optimal breastfeeding practices despite workplace challenges.

Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent in the world. Governed by 54 recognised sovereign states, its people celebrate multiple traditions and speak countless dialects and languages apart from those inherited by varied colonial legacies. Despite historical and ongoing debts, it has one of the fastest growing global economies and vast natural resources.1 Its full potential, however, is not realized due in part to the lack of progress and regression on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.2

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that affects animals and poses a risk to humans, with significant public health and economic implications in Sudan due to its dependence on livestock. This cross-sectional study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to RVF among residents of Al-Karad, Sudan. The study surveyed 100 households selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering demographics, household characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices related to RVF. SPSS was used for analysis, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and logistic regression, to assess associations between demographic factors and KAP levels. The findings show low awareness, with only 48% of participants having heard of RVF. Knowledge gaps were prevalent, as 68% did not know how the disease spreads, and 73% were unaware of its seasonal transmission. Despite this, 57% had positive attitudes toward prevention. Gender distinctions were noted, with females showing better knowledge and attitudes, while males had better animal waste disposal practices. Risky behaviors, like eating raw meat and drinking raw milk, were minimal (8% and 7%, respectively). The study highlights the demand for enhanced health education and targeted interventions to address these gaps and enhance prevention strategies, particularly in a region vulnerable to RVF outbreaks.

This study aimed to improve the diagnostic efficacy of severe preeclampsia (SP) and enhance fetal outcomes by investigating the predictive value (PV) of 3D energy Doppler ultrasound flow parameters and maternal peripheral blood placental growth factor (PLGF). Clinical data were obtained from 105 SP patients and 100 normal controls (NC). Ultrasound was used to measure blood flow parameters such as the systolic/diastolic velocity ratio (S/D), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) in the uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Additionally, PLGF levels were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the PV of these ultrasound parameters and PLGF levels. The results revealed significantly higher maternal blood pressure and lower fetal parameters, such as amniotic fluid index and fetal weight, in the SP group compared to the NC group (P<0.05). The combination of ultrasound blood flow parameters and PLGF levels showed the best predictive performance for SP, with sensitivity of 91.43%, specificity of 90.00%, and an AUC of 0.896. These findings suggest that combining ultrasound and PLGF measurements offers a reliable method for predicting severe preeclampsia.