Epidemiology & Demography

Bio

Amek studied mathematics (BSc.) at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, Biostatistics (MSc.) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and obtained his PhD in Epidemiology from Swiss TPH, University of Basel, Switzerland. His PhD focused on developing data-driven Bayesian geostatistical models for zero inflated data and application of these models in malaria epidemiology. Amek has over 10 years’ experience in longitudinal health and demographic system (HDSS). He joined KEMRI/CDC HDSS in 2005 as the head of data section and upon completion of his PhD in 2012, Amek was appointed as the deputy branch chief of the KEMRI/CDC HDSS. He has been a technical advisor to the Homa Bay county civil registration and vital statistics improvement project, funded by CDC since 2013. Amek joined the Programme in 2016 as Head of Surveillance. In addition to his management role, Amek is interested in carrying out research on effect of space-time variation on health outcomes, effect of socioeconomic status on health outcomes and utilization health care services, use of verbal autopsy as a tool for determining causes of death, for deaths that occur at the community

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Current Work

Kilifi surveillance system provides a platform that supports research by 1) providing sampling frame to the nested studies within the surveillance (KHDSS) area. 2) monitor health and demographic transition of the residents of KHDSS area and 3) evaluating impact of public health interventions such as the rollout of new vaccines. The Kilifi surveillance system is an integrated system of the household surveillance (HDSS), facility-based surveillance and laboratory tested samples Collaborations Kilifi County (Department of health), Kenya civil registration services, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, INDEPTH Network, Other DSS sites in Kenya

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Recent publications

Sero-surveillance for IgG to SARS-CoV-2 at antenatal care clinics in three Kenyan referral hospitals: Repeated cross-sectional surveys 2020-21.
Lucinde, R. K., Mugo, D., Bottomley, C., Karani, A., Gardiner, E., Aziza, R., Gitonga, J. N., Karanja, H., Nyagwange, J., Tuju, J., Wanjiku, P., Nzomo, E., Kamuri, E., Thuranira, K., Agunda, S., Nyutu, G., Etyang, A. O., Adetifa, I. M. O., Kagucia, E., Uyoga, S., Otiende, M., Otieno, E., Ndwiga, L., Agoti, C. N., Aman, R. A., Mwangangi, M., Amoth, P., Kasera, K., Nyaguara, A., Ng'ang'a, W., Ochola, L. B., Namdala, E., Gaunya, O., Okuku, R., Barasa, E., Bejon, P., Tsofa, B., Ochola-Oyier, L. I., Warimwe, G. M., Agweyu, A., Scott, J. A. G., Gallagher, K. E.
PLoS One, (2022). 17:e0265478

The impact of intermittent presumptive treatment for malaria in pregnancy on hospital birth outcomes on the Kenyan coast.
Kamau, A., Musau, M., Mwakio, S., Amadi, D., Nyaguara, A., Bejon, P., Seale, A. C., Berkley, J. A., Snow, R. W.
Clin Infect Dis, (2022). 76:e875-e883

Efficiency of transplacental transfer of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) specific antibodies among pregnant women in Kenya.
Nyiro, J. U., Bukusi, E., Mwaengo, D., Nyaguara, A., Nyawanda, B., Otieno, N., Bigogo, G., Murunga, N., Widdowson, M. A., Verani, J. R., Chaves, S. S., Mwangudza, H., Odundo, C., Berkley, J. A., Nokes, D. J., Munywoki, P. K.
Wellcome Open Res, (2022). 7:43

Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Healthcare Workers in Kenya.
Etyang, A. O., Lucinde, R., Karanja, H., Kalu, C., Mugo, D., Nyagwange, J., Gitonga, J., Tuju, J., Wanjiku, P., Karani, A., Mutua, S., Maroko, H., Nzomo, E., Maitha, E., Kamuri, E., Kaugiria, T., Weru, J., Ochola, L. B., Kilimo, N., Charo, S., Emukule, N., Moracha, W., Mukabi, D., Okuku, R., Ogutu, M., Angujo, B., Otiende, M., Bottomley, C., Otieno, E., Ndwiga, L., Nyaguara, A., Voller, S., Agoti, C. N., Nokes, D. J., Ochola-Oyier, L. I., Aman, R., Amoth, P., Mwangangi, M., Kasera, K., Ng'ang'a, W., Adetifa, I. M. O., Wangeci Kagucia, E., Gallagher, K., Uyoga, S., Tsofa, B., Barasa, E., Bejon, P., Scott, J. A. G., Agweyu, A., Warimwe, G. M.
Clin Infect Dis, (2022). 74:288-293

Prevalence and mortality of epilepsies with convulsive and non-convulsive seizures in Kilifi, Kenya.
Kariuki, S. M., Ngugi, A. K., Kombe, M. Z., Kazungu, M., Chengo, E., Odhiambo, R., Nyaguara, A., Neville, B. G., Newton, C. R.
Seizure, (2021). 89:51-55