At birth, babies can get eye infections during their passage through the vagina of infected mothers, resulting in blindness.

The research team created a point-of-care assay that can detect bacterial STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Beyond condoms, vasectomy (which is permanent), and withdrawal, reliable male contraceptives are still largely in the research phase. Also read: For Kilifi women, family planning requires a husband’s ...