Introduction:Teenage pregnancy is a major global public health concern, with an estimated 21 million adolescent girls giving birth each year globally. Despite the growing implementation of dialogue-based interventions, limited evidence exists regarding how participants perceive their effectiveness within family and community systems in Rwanda. This study explored participants' perceptions of the effectiveness of the Ingo z'amahoro intergenerational dialogue programme in resolving intergenerational conflicts, responding to GBV, and improving family and community support for young single mothers. Methods:An exploratory qualitative study using purposive sampling and reflexive thematic analysis was conducted across four sectors in Musanze and Gasabo Districts, Rwanda. Thirty-two participants were recruited: 12 young single mothers (aged 15-24 years), 12 parents or guardians, and 8 key informants (community facilitators, local leaders, and programme representatives). Eligible participants had engaged with the programme for at least two years. Data were collected through 24 in-depth interviews and 8 key informant interviews, conducted between May and June 2024. Trustworthiness was enhanced through member checking, reflexive journaling, peer debriefing, and audit trails. The study was conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results:Three themes emerged: (1) perceived personal, familial, and community benefits of intergenerational dialogues, including family reconciliation, enhanced GBV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) awareness, improved community attitudes, and increased self-confidence; (2) socioeconomic and structural barriers to effective participation, including poverty, absent male stakeholders, and persistent social stigma; and (3) strategies for sustaining impact through service integration and economic empowerment. Conclusion:Intergenerational dialogues hold meaningful potential for family reconciliation and GBV awareness among young single mothers in Rwanda. However, dialogue alone is insufficient without addressing broader structural inequalities, underscoring the need for integrated psychosocial, economic, and male-engagement interventions.

Introduction: About 5% of the 38 million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) worldwide are children aged less than 15 years. A significant proportion of caregivers living with HIV-seropositive children still fail to disclose their children's status to them due to a multiplicity of factors, leading to a high prevalence of preventable mortality among preteens and adolescents. Disclosure to HIV-seropositive children is critical in enhancing their standard of life. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Data collection was carried out using structured interviews in May 2021 among 100 participants at Parirenyatwa Centre of Excellence. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that only 20 (20%) participants had disclosed the HIV-seropositive status to their children. Disclosure status was significantly associated with the relationship with child (p = 0.043), number of children taken care of (p = 0.041), child's age (p = 0.012), fear of child's response (p = 0.021), child enquiring on status (p = 0.011), and fear of psychological harm to the child (p = 0.041). Conclusions: This study concludes that early HIV disclosure is critical in promoting adherence to treatment, while caregivers need to be empowered to disclose early. There is a need to formulate evidence-based guidelines and standardized operational modalities to support the disclosure of HIVseropositive status to children. Collaborative management is significantly required in helping caregivers in the disclosure process.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 poses a persistent occupational risk to healthcare workers (HCWs) and, by extension, to health professions students undertaking clinical placements. Undergraduate clinical students represent a bidirectional transmission risk potentially carrying infection between campus and clinical environments, yet their specific infection prevention and control (IPC) practices remain poorly characterised in sub-Saharan African academic settings. This study examined IPC practices among health professions students at the University of Zimbabwe during the active phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and July 2021 at the University of Zimbabwe's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Using convenience lottery sampling, 320 undergraduate health professions students were enrolled. Data were collected via a researcher-administered structured questionnaire the Clinical Student IPC Practices Questionnaire (CSIPQ) comprising 38 items across five domains: (1) hand hygiene, (2) medical mask use, (3) personal protective equipment (PPE) use, (4) scrubs and clinical wear management, and (5) community IPC conduct. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the STROBE Statement checklist for cross-sectional observational studies. Results: The cohort comprised 320 frontline clinical students, predominantly young adults aged 20-25 years (95.3%) with a male preponderance (65.0%). Participants were drawn from five clinical programmes, with Medicine and Surgery (35.6%) and Nursing Science (28.8%) representing the largest groups, and half were in their fourth year of study, indicating advanced clinical exposure. The prevalence of optimal IPC practice was critically low across all clinical domains: medical mask use (0.6%), PPE use (0.3%), and handwashing (15.3%). Significant associations were observed between handwashing and degree programme (p=0.002) and age (p<.0001). No significant demographic or academic associations were identified for mask use or PPE use, indicating that deficits were uniformly distributed across the cohort. Conclusion: While specific student demographics were associated with better hand hygiene, near-universal gaps in PPE and medical mask use indicate a systemic failure transcending individual characteristics. Transformative, competency-based IPC education, resource security, and institutional safety culture reform are urgently needed to protect future health professionals and their patients.

Background: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women globally. Early detection through screening is crucial for improving outcomes. However, knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and poor practices around screening timing persist among young women. This study explores the knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to breast cancer screening among female students at the University of Zimbabwe. It aims to inform nursing practice by highlighting the critical role nurses play in addressing these gaps through education, awareness, and guidance on screening timing. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study employed random sampling to recruit participants at the University of Zimbabwe from March 4 to April 8. A structured questionnaire with three sections, consisting of closed-ended questions, was used to assess demographic characteristics, as well as knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to breast cancer screening. Data were analyzed using STATA 15, with descriptive statistics presented in tables and figures. Associations between variables were tested using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and binary logistic regression. Results: Of the 139 participants, 85% were aged 20-25, single, and undergraduates. Among all age groups, 54% did not perform breast self-examinations. Participants aged 36-40 had significantly higher odds of late screening (OR=17.8, p=0.014) and married participants also had higher odds of later screening (OR=4.42, p=0.009) compared to single participants. Participants who perceived that a healthy diet reduces breast cancer risk had lower odds of late screening (OR=0.32, p=0.021). Participants who knew the recommended age of Breast Self-Examination had higher odds of late screening (OR=2.5, p=0.027). Participants with religious and cultural beliefs influencing their decision-making were significantly more likely to present late (OR = 3.21, p = 0.030). Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors and health-seeking behaviors significantly influenced breast cancer screening timing. Nurses are pivotal in promoting early screening through tailored health promotion strategies, including raising awareness, addressing misconceptions, and encouraging self-examination practices.

Dual contraception is crucial for preventing both unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs, especially for women living with HIV. However, the impact of HIV status on dual contraception uptake is not well understood. This study assessed the association between HIV status and dual contraception use among women at Spilhaus Clinic. A cross-sectional pilot study recruited 80 women (18-49 years) seeking family planning services between January and April 2024. The mean age was 33.5 years, and 66.3% were married. Dual contraception prevalence was 31.2%, with male condoms and pills (54.8%) being the most common method. Women with HIV (83%) were significantly more likely to use dual contraception than HIV-negative women (27%; p = .01). Income level also influenced uptake (p = .004). Women with HIV had 3.09 times higher prevalence of use (p < .0001). Findings emphasize the need for targeted education and counseling on dual contraception, especially for high-risk groups.

IntroductionSexual violence against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a pervasive issue globally, with particularly high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among AGYW in Kicukiro, Rwanda.MethodsA descriptive exploratory design guided by the socioecological model and feminist standpoint theory was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 AGYW participating in a mentorship program and 5 male community members. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key drivers and potential prevention strategies.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) empowering mentorship programs, (2) tiered drivers of sexual violence, (3) optimizing violence-mitigating resources, and (4) interference with judicial processes. Key drivers of sexual violence included substance use, transactional sexual relationships, inadequate family protection, entrenched gender stereotypes, and limited legal literacy.ConclusionFindings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions that address systemic and cultural barriers, strengthen legal frameworks, and expand community-based programs. Addressing sexual violence requires a holistic approach, integrating empowerment initiatives, robust community engagement, and legal reforms to create safer environments for AGYW. The mentorship program's success suggests scalability across other settings.

Medical robotics is a field that combines engineering and artificial intelligence to create robotic systems used in healthcare. This study aims to delve into the exciting field of developing medical-targeted drug delivery systems, which hold immense potential for revolutionizing how we administer therapeutic substances. By precisely delivering drugs to specific sites within the body, these innovative systems offer improved treatment outcomes, reduced side effects, and enhanced patient compliance. Therefore, an image processing algorithm for visible target detection was designed, a system to determine the coordinates of the exact location of identified regions of the target was developed, and a trajectory plan for the robotic arm end effector for precise drug delivery was also designed. The integration of robotic systems into MRI scanners, the development of image processing algorithms, and also real-time feedback control systems are mechatronics-based processes. Medical image navigation technology has many uses in minimally invasive robots, mainly image acquisition techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to acquire equivalent image data; however, medical imaging techniques have inefficient visibility in robotic-assisted surgeries of small and confined incisions. Therefore, image processing methods are applied to precisely regulate the operation’s location and visibility and improve the procedure’s efficacy, accuracy, and safety. To develop an advanced medical-targeted drug delivery system.

BACKGROUND:Zimbabwe antenatal HIV prevalence rate is 16.1%. HIV-positive pregnant adolescent girls and young women (AYW) are at high risk to experience perinatal mental health challenges, attributed to a combination of factors including HIV status, stigma and perinatal depression. Perinatal depression and stigma among AYW is understudied in Zimbabwe and may affect short- and long-term health of HIV positive mothers and their children, and can impact treatment adherence. METHODS:Qualitative data was gathered from four focus group discussions with (2 urban and 2 rural) PMTCT providers (N = 17). Focus group discussions were also conducted among AYW clients (N = 20) from two clinics in Mashonaland East. RESULTS:Qualitative analyses identified patterns related to: (1) drop out and loss to follow up, (2) retention and adherence, (3) recurring feelings of internalized stigma; and (4) acceptability of potential MH interventions. MH services are not available and AYW have limited access to adherence counseling (1-2 times at onset). Psychological support was not available at either clinic, despite both providers and clients perceiving high rates of stigma, discrimination, and challenges with disclosure. Challenges related to long waits for ART distribution and gaps in disclosure support emerged as barriers. Providers noted that AYW present as anxious (non-diagnosed), and attribute depression to those clients who are lost to follow up, stating lack of time to screen for MH related issues or actively refer them for services. Challenges related to the ability to provide strong advice and support for disclosure also emerged among providers. CONCLUSIONS:This study can contribute to policy and practice recommendations to better integrate MH into HIV services and develop person-centered service models for HIV positive AYW. HIGHLIGHTSPerinatal adolescents and young women (AYW) living with HIV have gaps in retention and care in the current Zimbabwe PMTCT service model.Mental health stigma must be addressed to integrate mental health into HIV services.HIV providers are aware of the need to provide mental health support to reduce loss to follow-up.Mental health screening and referrals for services are not part of standard care for perinatal HIV positive AYW in Zimbabwe.Linkages between disclosure and AYW mental health was identified as a challenge by HIV providers.Context responsive interventions can support integration of mental health screening, services, and referrals.

Abstract Due to uncontrolled bleeding in victims and frequently delayed emergency response times to road accidents had frequently causes severe casualties. To solve this problem, the robotic arm used in this paper, based on machine learning, is programmed to monitor and react to bleeding in accident victims. A clotting agent is applied to the wounds by the robotic arm at the touch of a button, stopping the bleeding and possibly saving lives. The system's image processing and wound classification were done in a Python-based Jupyter environment. SolidWorks was used to design the robotic arm, which was programmed to respond to input from a Python model. The robotic arm's kinematics was tested in the Simulink environment, displaying the joints' successful operation. The robotic arm design was further analyzed in the Simcape environment, where the arm's trajectory was evaluated. The results showed that the robotic arm could effectively move toward the detected wound, following the training trajectory. Object tracking was successfully performed in Matlab under the Simcape environment, as evidenced by the alignment between the expected and actual trajectory line graphs. The study concludes that the machine learning-based robotic arm can accurately move to any desired position within its workspace, enabling the precise application of the clotting agent on the wound. This system holds significant potential for improving emergency response times and outcomes in road accidents.

INTRODUCTION:Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is a key strategy for ending the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Most studies have focused on the mothers' side of the PMTCT cascade or the rate of vertical HIV transmission. Information on child-focused cascade is limited. We aimed to evaluate HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis uptake and associated factors among HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) born in 2017.METHODS:This was a record-based descriptive study in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. We analyzed routinely collected program data abstracted from electronic and paper-based HEI registers. Uptakes were calculated as proportions while associations were measured using adjusted risk ratios (log-binomial regression).RESULTS:Of 1028 HEIs, 1015 (98.7%) were commenced on nevirapine prophylaxis, while 915 (89.0%) were commenced on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. A total of 880 (85.0%) HEIs were tested for HIV by 6 weeks and 445 (44.4%) by 9 months. Overall, 40 (3.9%) were found to be HIV positive, and of them, 34 (85.0%) commenced on ART. Secondary and tertiary health facilities, being born through nonvaginal delivery, and certain districts were significantly associated with not commencing cotrimoxazole prophylaxis or getting tested for HIV. One district was associated with less risk of not having an HIV test by 9 months.CONCLUSIONS:While nevirapine, cotrimoxazole, and ART uptake were high among the HEIs, HIV testing by 9 months was suboptimal. The vertical HIV transmission rate was 3.9%. There is a need to strengthen HIV testing and antiretroviral and cotrimoxazole prophylaxes, especially at high-level facilities and certain districts.

There has been growing concern over maternal under-nutrition and its effects on pregnancy outcome. The term maternal under-nutrition is complex and rather ambiguous and fails to reflect a clear definition. Defining maternal under-nutrition will help improve diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation of the impact of under-nourishment in women to prevent associated birth outcomes. There is a direct link between maternal under-nutrition and undesired birth outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, pre-term labour and prematurity. This is likely to give rise to long lasting effects. Methodology Walker and Avant’s strategic eight-step method of concept analysis was used in analyzing the concept of maternal under-nutrition. Walker and Avant stress the importance of antecedents and attributes in describing a concept of interest. Literature search was done in one month using Google Scholar, Pub Med and Medline as search engines. Results There are several definitions of maternal under-nutrition available online which lacks standardization. The definition for maternal malnutrition was multi-varied in some instances, it was based on clinical evaluation yet in others it was based on BMI calculations and Mid Upper Arm Circumference. Conclusion Malnutrition is both seen in over-nutrition and under-nutrition. For the purpose of this paper we look at malnutrition as it relates to under-nutrition as it is of concern to less developed countries in particular southern Africa. Maternal under-nutrition is perceived to indirectly result in increased mortality and morbidities during the perinatal period. Maternal under-nourishment should be evaluated using BMI, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, skin fold and unintended weight loss for consecutive encounters using a standard scale.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between HIV status disclosure and social support among people living with HIV and AIDS aged 18 to 64 years at Bindura Provincial Hospital OI/ART clinic. Descriptive Correlational design was used. A sample size of 236 respondents were chosen into the study using the simple random sampling technique with a rotary method. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire for a period of four weeks. Statistical software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. Results revealed that 138 (58, 5%) respondents disclosed their HIV sero positive status and hundred nigh teen (86%) respondents received social support. Pearson correlation coefficient (r=.815;p<.01) showed a statistically significant strong positive relationship. Social support had an impact of 66, 4% on HIV status disclosure (R2.664).. HIV disclosure services should be strengthened in order to promote disclosure among people living with HIV and AIDS.

Background: Poor retention in the prevention of women in prevention of vertical transmission programs remains a formidable common setback in elimination of HIV/AIDS. It creates new problems such as poor health outcomes and increased incidence of vertical transmission of HIV. There is a dearth of qualitative information to explain poor retention of women in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to explore the enablers and barriers of retention of women in PMTCT programs. Methods: This was a basic qualitative study conducted at four health centers in Zimbabwe. Four audiotaped focus group discussions were conducted with 34 pregnant or breastfeeding women coming for PMTCT services at the health centers. Descriptive statistics was used for sample demographics. Transcripts were analyzed through latent content analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: Maternal determination, a four-tier support system, and an inspiring health package were enablers to retention in the PMTCT program while uninspired individual engagement, paternalism, and undesirable PMTCT-related events were barriers to retention of women in the PMTCT program. Conclusions: Reinforcing hope for the women and their children, active management of side effects of antiretroviral medicine, consistent peer support, enhancing confidentiality among community cadres, and commitment from community or religious leaders may improve retention of women in PMTCT programs; for women with HIV during pregnancy, delivery and post-natal care.

Context: In 2013, the world Health Organization endorsed Option B plus as a strategy towards elimination of vertical transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The purpose of the study was to examine the Option B+ trends and outcome predictors in Zimbabwe. Aims: to examine the PMTCT trends in Mashonaland East Province in Zimbabwe to determine the programmatic correlates of reduced MTCT in the first three years of introduction of PMTCT option B+. Settings and Design: Ecological study in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. Methods and Materials: The study was based on Option B plus data from the Provincial Health information system. Spatial mapping of MTCT rates was done using ArcMap 10.1. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression of the correlates of MTCT rates using R software based on step-wise Akaike information criterion. Results: The MTCT rate for Mashonaland East was 5.3% in 2014, 5.2% in 2015 and 4.0% in 2016. The predictors for reduced PMTCT included: booking the pregnancy with a known HIV positive status (beta= -0.011, SEB=0.0035), arriving in labour and delivery with unknown HIV status (beta= -0.029, SEB=0.0078), testing HIV positive at retesting in labour and delivery (beta= - 0.04; SEB=0.03), women with unknown HIV status within 24 months post-delivery (beta= - 0.0044; SEB=0.0032) and identification of HIV exposed infants within 72 hours of birth (beta= - 0.01; SEB=0.0026). Conclusions: PMTCT Option B+ was associated with a decline in MTCT rate. Intensive psychosocial support of pregnant or nursing women may facilitate reduction of MTCT rates.

While the global maternal mortality ratio declined by 45% in 13 years from 1990 to 2013, Zimbabwe recorded marginal decline in the indicator. Zimbabwe recorded an increase in maternal mortality between 1990 and 2010 from 450 per 100 000 to 960 per 100 000. However, the figure dropped to 651 per 100 000 in 2015. This study sought to evaluate the maternal and neonatal child health programme in a rural province in Zimbabwe. The community study setting used a community care group approach in health care. A concurrent multi-method research design was used through a cross-sectional survey, record reviews and key informant interviews. Permission to carry out the study was obtained from Plan Zimbabwe and the Provincial Medical Director through the District Medical Officer, Chipinge District. Informed consent was obtained from participants before data collection. Data was collected through structured questionnaires from 75 participants. Qualitative data was obtained through key informant interviews of Maternal and neonatal health stakeholders. Among participants, 86% recalled having had malaria chemoprophylaxis and 67% recalled having had at least one blood pressure check during pregnancy. On the other hand 83.3% recalled at least 2 danger signs in pregnancy. While 85% had fulfilled 4 antenatal visits according to focused antenatal care, only 38% exclusively breastfed their babies for 6 months. The community care group approach is associated with increased knowledge and utilization of health resources.

Background: Malaria outbreaks are common in Zimbabwe. They are common in Manicaland, which has the greatest burden of malaria in the country. Methods: A matched case control study was conducted to investigate the malaria outbreak in ward 13 and 14 of Chipinge district in Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe, week 30 to week 40 of year 2015. A sample size of 92 (46 cases and 46 controls) was used. Guided interviews were conducted with the aid of a structured questionnaire and a checklist. The investigation assessed factors associated with contracting malaria and the community knowledge levels on malaria. Results: Participants who stayed in houses with open eaves had 2.4 odds (95% CI=1.0; 5.6) of contracting malaria compared to those who lived in houses without open eaves. Staying within a radius of 3 km from the river or swamp also predisposed people to contracting malaria (OR =2.7, 95%CI=1.2; 6.3). People who had no insecticide treated mosquito nets hanged in their bed rooms had odds of 2.2 (95%CI=1.2; 6.4) of contracting malaria compared to those that hanged insecticide-treated mosquito nets in their bedrooms. Consequently, among people exposed to outdoor activities in the evening and at night, those that had insecticide-treated mosquito nets hanged in their rooms were more protected from malaria than those that did not. Conclusion: There is high need to intensify all pillars in the malaria prevention and control programs and maintenance of a strong surveillance system to prevent future occurrences of outbreaks.

Introduction: Carcinoma of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst the gynecological cancers worldwide, especially in developing countries. The study examined the relationship between knowledge of cervical cancer and uptake of cervical cancer screening in women aged 18-45 years at a central hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. Materials and Methods: Descriptive correlational cross-sectional design with a random sample of 155 women at a central hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. Orem’s self-care theory was the guiding framework for the study. Permission to carry out the study was granted by the local and national ethical review boards. All participants gave informed consent. Interviews were held in private. Participants were assured of confidentiality. Code numbers instead of names appeared on filled in questionnaires. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Results: Uptake of cervical cancer screening was low, 8.4% participants had been screened. Major reasons for non-uptake were lack of knowledge (38.7%), lack of motivation (27.7%) and financial constraints (8.4%). Knowledge of cervical cancer was low with a mean score of 27%. There was a positive linear relationship between knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer (r=.187:  p=<0.001) indicating that as knowledge on cervical cancer increases uptake also increases. Conclusions: There is need for health care workers to upscale health education of cervical cancer and the importance of screening to promote screening, early detection and treatment. Key words: cancer, carcinoma, cervical, screening

Background: Diabetes in pregnancy has implications for the health of the mother and her baby in the immediate, short-term and long-term. Studies have shown that diabetes in pregnancy can influence maternal and neonatal outcomes negatively hence the need to assess the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy and its association with adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods:This was a retrospective cross sectional record review conducted at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe. Stratified random sampling was used to select 532 antenatal records from 2010 to 2014. The data were collected using record review checklists. The outcome was diabetes in pregnancy. The data were analysed for descriptive statistics through the Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, Version 20. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with having diabetes in pregnancy. Results:Participants’ mean age was 26.9. Prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy was 8.5%. Risk factors associated with diabetes in pregnancy were a family history of diabetes mellitus 36 (6.8%) and high blood pressure 124 (23.3%). As for maternal outcomes 93 (17.5%) had caesarean delivery and 58 (10.9%) had either pregnancy induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia. Twenty-four (4.5%) participants had neonatal death while 12 (2.3%) had still births. The commonest neonatal outcomes were birth weight below 2 500g or a low Apgar score which were found in 73 (13.7%) cases. While there was 5% (OR=0.054, 95% CI = 0.00031, 0.98) increased chance of having pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia among people with diabetes the odds of having macrosomia was 12.96 (95% CI = 3.45; 48.68). Conclusion:The prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy was 8.5% and was associated with some adverse perinatal outcomes Key-words:diabetes, pregnancy, prevalence, perinatal outcomes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 25 -10-2017 Date of acceptance: 09-12-2017 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Objectives: There is no single “correct” definition of poverty. However, there is consensus that any definition of poverty needs to acknowledge particular social, economic and cultural contexts. Different meanings of poverty results in different policy implementations in the context of human poverty. There is also less agreement as to whether objective or subjective definitions and measurements of poverty are more valid. Participatory approaches however point to the need to let people define for themselves what it means to be poor and define the magnitude, causes and consequences of being poor. The major focus of this paper was to clarify, explain and define the