Present

Mary Masheti- Clinical Research Coordinator

Maureen Okello- Coordinator

Catherine Achieng- Coordinator

Agnes Ndirangu –Data Manager

Meeting was called on by CRC at 0800hrs.

Agenda

Opening MAMMS Isebania Site.

Discussion

The CRC proposed that due to the Upcoming opening of the Research sites after halt of activities because of COVID-19. It is advisable to have strong reasons why Isebania Site should replace Nyatike Sub county Hospital this is because the PI Kirk mentioned that the study cannot afford to hire more staff because of inadequate funds, She informed that PI Dr. Singa would like to know what makes Isebania Site preferable than Nyatike Site in terms of Research activities. On her assessment Nyatike Site has been on operation for close to 7 months with only 77 participants total number enrolled. She proposed that the immunization report of Isebania can be used as decisions of the same are made.

However, it is important to listen to the views of all the coordinators on these two sites before closure or opening of new site.

On Immunization of Isebania, Catherine cautioned the team on using this data as a deciding factor to have it opened this she mentioned referring to all the immunization reports tabled for MAMMS identified sites. Migori County Referral Hospital report was higher than all the sites but looking at the enrollments of this site, on 3^rd month of enrollment, site number 2 was opened to boost enrollment numbers for the study. It will be important to have other reasons to have Nyatike Sub County Site closed and Isebania opened. She also highlighted the socio economic activity (gold mining) in Nyatike could be the reason as why enrollments are slow in this site.

CRC inquired from Maureen how enrollments in ABCD study were considering that this site is at the boarder of Kenya and Tanzania was it affected with issues of caregivers on transit.

Maureen stated that Isebania has strong referral community workers who have embraced research this experienced during the time of ABCD Study. Further said this Site was one of the best performing sites with smooth study operations. She also recognized the good road network compared to Nyatike Site which will enable easy supervision.

CRC commented on supervision and logistics around the site having Isebania site will be easy time for the Coordinator to move compared to Nyatike bearing in mind of the road network and available she further reported that the PIs did not give any conclusive answer on request made for the vehicle. On logistics being used by Walter Reed team but from Paul report he has given a go ahead that MAMMS study can just step in any time to use the office. The site from Maureen and Churchill report there are no furniture other than working tables. She noted that there are working tops so having two tables, cabinet and desk tops. According to CRC If we are settling on this site we need to agree on the staff who will be working there and how to get whatever we need for the study. CRC pointed out, On the MOU the one developed for Nyatike dispensary Dr. Singa is hesitant to review it because of the discussion we have today. If we are going the Isebania then we will just swap the names then submit it.

CRC asked Maureen how the rapport between the MOH Administration and Research staff was during ABCD Study; on this Maureen mentioned that they were supportive and further emphasized that rapport with MOH in any facility always depends on the Research staff relation to them. This was echoed by the CRC who recognized the good relationship between MAMMS staff in Nyatike facility.

CRC suggested that if we are settling on Isebania the tent which was being used by Nyatike team can be donated to Homa-bay team other than buying a new site.

AOB

Maureen inquired on the protocol amendment. CRC said Christine should be sharing the final draft Dr. Singa has approved.

Maureen mentioned that homabay site is working on getting a tent or building a gazebo this will help reduce movement of the study equipment for storage. She also brought to attention that she is working on getting quotations which will be shared immediately. CRC point of view is if we are getting tent it will have to be secured round fully so that we don’t have illegal activities going on in the tent at unruly hours.

There being no other business CRC adjourned the meeting