On 4 Aug, Savannakhet began recruiting patients for the Southeast Asia Clinical Trials Network (SEACTN) project, making it the first SEACTN site to recruit patients. The photo shows a young participant not enjoying a finger prick, needed to perform a routine malaria test, but with extra drops of blood collected onto filter paper for pathogen testing in Bangkok. There were a few teething problems with the mobile application to collect the data but otherwise enrolment went smoothly.
One of several large multicentre Flagship projects funded by Wellcome Innovations, SEACTN is led by Assoc. Prof. Yoel Lubell in MORU, Bangkok. SEACTN aims is to better understand the epidemiology of febrile illness in rural areas in five countries of South and Southeast Asia by developing a framework for the collection of information about the burden and impact of febrile illness.
Located in southern Laos, Savannakhet province is under intense pressure at the moment, ensuring quarantine facilities for hundreds of migrant workers returning from Thailand every day, a significant proportion of whom are diagnosed with COVID-19.
“After almost two years of preparation (and Covid delays) this is the first of the SEACTN sites to initiate activities on the ground,’ said SEACTN PI Prof Yoel Lubell. “SEACTN is a hugely ambitious project that would be a challenge to implement at the best of times. I’m extremely thankful therefore to everyone involved with SEACTN and the LOMWRU staff in particular for this achievement!”
The SEACTN recruitment began following permission from Dr Tiengkham Pongvongsa, Deputy Director of Savannakhet Provincial Health Department to hold a site initiation visit (SIV) in Atsaphangthong district from 27-31 July. COVID permitting, the Vientiane team will return to Savannakhet in 23-30 August to repeat the training in a second district, Phalanxay, if restrictions lift.
The training days were expertly organized and led by Dr Koukeo Phommasone, with great support from Dr Vimalay Souvong (CTSG), Ms Latsaniphone Boutthasavong (lab coordinator), Ms Vayouly Vadhamaly (CTSG), Dr Xaipasong Xaiyaphet (site coordinator and research physician), Dr Aitlada Soulivong (site research physician), Dr Khambang Seevanhthong (site research physician) and Mr Souksavanh Simanivong (site logistician). Recruitment will start early August using a phased approach.
– Text by Liz Ashley, with thanks to the SEACTN team and Dr Koukeo Phommasone for photo.