Serrekunda

Researchers are evaluating whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can prevent post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) in patients with severe lung impairment after pulmonary tuberculosis. This study aims to assess if NAC improves lung function over 12 months and to monitor the safety and side effects of NAC when given alongside standard tuberculosis treatment. The trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-arm, open-label study involving patients with drug-sensitive, culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and risk factors for PTLD. Participants will receive either NAC at a dose of 1800 mg twice daily for 6 months combined with standard tuberculosis treatment or standard tuberculosis treatment alone. NAC is provided as 600 mg capsules, while standard TB treatment is given as fixed dose combination tablets. The study compares these two groups to determine the long-term impact of NAC on lung health and PTLD prevention. During the 12-month study period, participants will attend scheduled clinic visits for respiratory assessments, blood tests, symptom monitoring, and quality-of-life questionnaires. They will also provide sputum and blood samples at multiple times for analysis. Researchers will measure lung function using FEV1% predicted at 12 months, among other health outcomes, to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of NAC in managing PTLD.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of seasonal mass vaccination with the R21/Matrix-M vaccine on malaria transmission and illness in all age groups. This Phase 3 cluster-randomized trial includes 54 villages in The Gambia and Burkina Faso, comparing villages that receive the R21 vaccine to those that do not. The study aims to measure malaria prevalence during peak transmission and assess vaccine safety, incidence of malaria infection, clinical malaria cases, vaccination coverage, socio-cultural factors, costs, and cost-effectiveness. It also explores whether blood markers can detect changes in transmission after vaccination. The vaccination involves three monthly doses of R21/Matrix-M administered before the malaria season in May, June, and July 2024, with dosing adjusted by age (5 micrograms for children up to 14 years and 10 micrograms for those 15 and older). A booster dose is given in June 2025. All villages continue to receive standard malaria control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Participants are monitored through surveys at peak transmission seasons after vaccination rounds, blood samples to track malaria infection incidence, and passive monitoring of clinical malaria cases throughout the study period, especially during July to December. Safety is tracked via reported adverse events, and detailed data on vaccination coverage and costs are collected. The study spans two years, covering initial vaccination, booster doses, and follow-up assessments to evaluate the vaccine's impact on malaria in the communities.

Researchers are evaluating the TRI-MOM program, which aims to implement and assess a simplified, integrated, and coordinated strategy to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in selected maternal and child health services in Burkina Faso and The Gambia. This program focuses on improving antenatal screening and prevention through rapid diagnostic tests and coordinated care among healthcare workers. The TRI-MOM strategy involves four key activities: training healthcare professionals responsible for maternal health, conducting triple screening for HIV, syphilis, and HBV using rapid tests, assessing and treating women who test positive for any of these infections, and raising awareness among pregnant women about mother-to-child transmission while empowering infected women. The program is implemented in nine selected maternity clinics, with five in Burkina Faso and four in The Gambia. Participants will be women attending postnatal visits at the selected maternities. The study will assess the coverage of the TRI-MOM strategy before and after implementation through questionnaires administered to women at baseline and at 12 months. The evaluation includes a cross-sectional study, a cohort study of infected pregnant women, and analyses of cost and cost-effectiveness. The impact on prevention services, reduction of HBV transmission, and women's empowerment will be measured throughout the study period.