The annual WANECAM 2 congress, combined with a Project Management Board meeting, took place on December 4-5, 2024, at the Hôtel Boulevard in Libreville, Gabon. The event was attended by Prof. Abdoulaye Djimdé, coordinator of the consortium, Dr. Rella Manego, principal investigator for the Gabonese site, and Prof. Ghyslain Mombongoma.
Highlights of the Meeting
- Research Progress
- Investigators from research sites in Burkina Faso, Gabon, Mali, and Niger presented updates on their work, particularly regarding recruitment for the ongoing KALUMA study.
- Preliminary results of the KALUMI study were shared at the African Society of Parasitology (SoAP) congress in a symposium format, hosted by the Gabonese Society of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine (SOGAPAMME).
- Site Reports
- CERMEL (Gabon): A total of 127 participants were recruited, with analyses revealing cases of reinfection from day 29 and mild to moderate side effects, including respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- GRAS (Burkina Faso): 160 patients were screened, but challenges arose due to the seasonality of malaria and inclusion criteria. Additional efforts were made to recruit younger participants.
- INSTech (Mali): 15 participants were randomized despite difficulties in sample collection and participant understanding of study requirements.
- AMU (Niger): A research center at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Niamey has been equipped for biomedical studies but faced delays due to the expiration of supplies.
- Bougoula Hameau (Mali): A total of 264 participants were recruited across multiple sites, with exclusions primarily due to vomiting and abnormalities in biological parameters.
- Challenges and Solutions
- Recruiting young children was hindered by preventive campaigns.
- Logistical issues included sample transportation and staff turnover.
- Efforts to increase participant awareness about hospitalization protocols and sample collection were emphasized.
Outlook and Commitment
This congress provided a platform to share valuable lessons and identify innovative solutions to address the challenges encountered. The collective efforts of the WANECAM 2 consortium will continue to strengthen local capacities and advance the fight against malaria in Africa.
