The Filariasis research group at KCCR organized a two-day protocol training for its team members in preparation for the soon-to-commence clinical trial titled “Test and Treat study”. The protocol training took place on the 8th and 9th July, 2025.
The session was opened by the Group Leader and Principal Investigator, Professor Alexander Yaw Debrah who delivered a welcome address. He emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining of the research team to ensure adherence to high-quality research standards. He also underscored the importance of consistency across study sites, noting that a similar trial is being conducted by collaborators in Tanzania
Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Debrah, Co-Principal Investigator, presented an overview of the schedule of activities planned as the team prepare for the study’s commencement.
In attendance were key members including: the Project Manager, Postdoctoral Fellow, PhD and Masters students, Data Entry Personnel, Study Clinician, Study Pharmacist, Trial Monitor, Study Laboratory Scientist, , Drivers, Interns, other research assistants.
This trial seeks to evaluate a targeted test-and-treat approach as a potentially more cost-effective alternative to mass drug administration (MDA), which treats entire communities whether or not infected with lymphatic filariasis (LF).
Facilitators led participants through an in-depth review of the study protocol, covering aspects such as: Participant recruitment, informed consenting, Ethical considerations, Data management, laboratory procedures, participant safety assessment, biobanking and more
In his closing remarks, Professor Debrah reiterated the importance of building local research capacity and fostering a strong collaborative environment. These values, he noted, are central to KCCR’ mission of advancing research in tropical medicine through interdisciplinary partnerships.
We commend the Filariasis Research Group’s for its commitment to excellence and professionalism and look forward to the impactful contributions this study will make toward controlling and eliminating filarial infections in endemic communities in Ghana and beyond.
