Prof Yoel Lubell, PI of the SEACTN (Southeast Asia Clinical Trials Network) project and Dr Chris Chew (project coordinator) came to Laos from MORU 26-28 Sept to visit some of the study sites in Savannakhet province. Their visit took in Savannakhet Provincial Hospital where they met with the Director, Dr Chanthala Phamisith, as well as Atsaphangthong district, when they were accompanied by Dr Tiengkham Pongvongsa, Deputy director of Savannakhet Provincial Health Department, the main partner for Work Package A (WP-A), with implementation supported by LOMWRU.
The LOMWRU Vientiane contingent was led by Dr Koukeo Phommasone (Lao sites coordinator), with Ms Vayouly Vidhamaly (Head of LOMWRU-CTSG), and Ms Latsaniphone Boutthasavong (lab coordinator). WP-A has already reached almost half of the target of 20,000 consultations. The hospital-based fever study (Work Package B) started more recently and aims to recruit around 2000 patients.
Our hardworking study team in Savannakhet includes Dr Xaipasong Xaiyaphet (site coordinator and research physician), Dr Aitlada Soulivong (site research physician), Dr Khambang Seevanhthong (site research physician), Mr Souksavanh Simanivong (logistician) Mr Somdy Xayalath (verbal autopsy study), Dr Khanxayaphone Phakhounthong (site research physician), Dr Xaykhamphet Phommavanh (site research physician), and Mr Khamxeng Khounpaseuth (lab technician).
Yoel and Chris left on Wed the 28th but Jaruwan Tubprasert (2nd right) and Akanittha Poochai (right) from MORU CTSG stayed on to monitor the study data and to discuss the upcoming initiation of another study (PLATCOV) in Laos.
SEACTN is funded by Wellcome Innovations and aims 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.
– Thanks to Liz Ashley for text and Dr Koukeo for photos.