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Article History

Received: 17 August 2025

Accepted: 6 February 2026

First Online: 17 February 2026

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval for this study was granted by the institutional review board at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences under approval number MUHAS-REC-10-2022-1404. The ethical framework for the study was established by obtaining approval from the relevant MUHAS IRB prior to initiation. Eligible participants, identified through retrospective screening, were first contacted via their phone to introduce the study and schedule a private, in-person consent meeting with a trained research assistant fluent in both English and Kiswahili. During this meeting, the participant received a comprehensive explanation of the study’s objectives, the specific procedures (including the radiological imaging and blood draw), potential risks, and the completely voluntary nature of their participation, including the right to withdraw without consequence. Comprehension was ensured by using clear, non-technical language and asking participants to verbally confirm their understanding of the key aspects of the research

: Consent was formally documented by signature for literate participants; for those unable to read or write, confirmed by putting figure prints to the consent paper and/or an impartial witness, unaffiliated with the study team, attested to the accuracy of the reading and the participant’s confirmed verbal consent. Participants were reimbursed 20,000 Tanzania Shillings to compensate for their transport costs. Participants found to have sequelae were linked to specific clinics.

: The authors declare no competing interests.