Table 1 Summary of challenges encountered and strategies to overcome them
Challenges | Strategies | |
|---|---|---|
Health-seeking behavior | Self-medication | • Require participants to abstain from self-treatment during the trial • Provide free, round-the-clock medical care to participants |
Traditional healers | • Require participants to avoid using herbal products during the trial • Provide free, round-the-clock medical care to participants • Maintain a non-judgmental approach | |
Health systems | Healthcare provision | • Work with MRCG CSD to provide inpatient care for participants |
Diagnostic limitations | • Offer laboratory and radiology services at MRCG CSD • Conduct verbal autopsies as required | |
Lack of reliable background data | • Conduct epidemiological studies to understand background disease rates • Establish Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems | |
Sociocultural considerations | Literacy rates | • Conduct home visits to collect information on adverse events |
Highly mobile population | • Ensure potential participants have no imminent travel plans during the study • Maintain regular contact throughout the study period • Send field workers to collect adverse events from participants who travel | |
Social dynamics | • Organize community sensitization meetings • Use community advisory boards • Hold open days for engagement |