# name
Capacity building in Sub-Saharan Africa as part of the Intense-TBM Project during the COVID-19 Pandemic

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe and disabling form of tuberculosis (TB), with at least 100,000 cases per year and a mortality rate of up to 50% in individuals co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intensified anti-tubercular regimen and an anti-inflammatory treatment, the INTENSE-TBM project includes a phase III randomised clinical trial (TBM-RCT) in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Within this framework, we designed a comprehensive capacity-building work package ensuring all centres had, or would acquire, the ability to conduct the TBM-RCT and developing a network of skilled researchers, clinical centres and microbiology laboratories. Here, we describe these activities, identify strengths/challenges and share tools adaptable to other projects, particularly in low- and lower-middle income countries with heterogeneous settings and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite major challenges, TBM-RCT initiation was achieved in all sites, promoting enhanced local healthcare systems and encouraging further clinical research in SSA. In terms of certified trainings, the achievement levels were 95% (124/131) for good clinical practice, 91% (39/43) for good clinical laboratory practice and 91% (48/53) for infection prevention and control. Platform-based research, developed as part of capacity-building activities for specific projects, may be a valuable tool in fighting future infectious diseases and in developing high-level research in Africa.

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Infectious Diseases and Therapy, 2022, vol. 11, num. 4, p. 1327-1341

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
cc-by-nc (c) Ariza Vioque, E. et al., 2022

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (Fonaments Clínics)

# metadata.dc.title[].value
Capacity building in Sub-Saharan Africa as part of the Intense-TBM Project during the COVID-19 Pandemic