[Micky Hingorani]

Yes the increased drug use in our communities  has impacted the way we engage the young people; in a sense that a lot of multidisciplinary approaches have been devised by different NGO’s. Many NGO’s are struggling to find out why the young people are using drugs? So if the  issue is  of unemployment; then they have  tried  to come up with  capacity building trainings to improve on their skills  and sustainable livelihood programs that can help to change their mindset towards  drug

[Micky Hingorani]

Misinformation-we often deal with community members who lack information regarding clinical trials. Most of the issues we have dealt with are related to:

1. HIV infections -if a participant sero-converts while participating or if someone spreads rumours, communities may believe that the site is infecting people with HIV.

Sero-converters are referred to support groups on site however their other various support groups even though they are not widely known and also not very well funded as researchers we do have an obligation to the community in terms of empowering our participants ant their friends  and family as they are one of our key stakeholders

2.Reimbursement – communities may believe that it is used to lure people into giving their specimens and blood samples for other purposes not know to them.

All these obstacles can only be addressed through continuous community education meetings, community workshops and campaigns. It is crucial as a site to target participants more as they are the first people to experience what the study is all about. Events such as chilling sessions(informal or casual discussions with participants without any clinic procedures, these are held on weekends with all study participants) are quite helpful to identify and address myths and misconceptions  regarding the site and current studies.

 

[Micky Hingorani]

Hi everyone:We have resolved the issue with Lesson 2– the online module is up and running!

Thanks,

Anne

[Micky Hingorani]

Hi all:

There is a technical problem with the Lesson 2 links. We are actively working on the problem!

Thank you for your patience!

[Micky Hingorani]

In my community drug abuse does exist but it is not done openly or in public. The drug am refering to and frequently abused is Marijuana. Those found in possesion of these drugs get arrested and the community members report those in possesion or use these drugs. I have reported three such cases to the Drug enforcement commission, the government wing which deals with such cases.

The only effective way am familiar with, to reduce drug abuse is for the community to get involved and work together with  police and intensify education about the dangers of drug abuse.

[Micky Hingorani]

Hi all- fascinating! And concerning that this seems to be on the rise..

I just this morning saw a related article from NEPHAK on programs in Kenya for people who inject drugs. And the key message is that community involvement is needed! I’ve attached the newsletter — the article is on the bottom of page 2.

[Micky Hingorani]

Hi all– I would love to hear more specifics. What exactly about trials might outside stakeholders oppose? What issues might you need to manage?

For instance:

• might they be opposed because of the cohort or type of population involved in the study?
• Because trial participants receive money/reimbursement?
• Because there are better health services available at a trial site than are available at regular healthcare centers?

Who has dealt with these types of issues–and how did you resolve them?

[Micky Hingorani]

Drug abuse is a very serious issue in our community, the sad part is that most of these drugs are made out of ARVs therefore the whole community is affected. Crime rate is very high that includes rape and stealing.

This drug use has a huge impact in engaging with young people because some of them are the victims and they don’t trust anyone even if you explain research and it purpose.

[Micky Hingorani]

Issue: There is inconsistency in your communication with stakeholders…you say that you are going to keep your stakeholders updated, but you lack the resources to do so.

Action: Agree with stakeholders upfront about the plan for feedback and communication– ie how often they will be updated and through what channels. This will help mitigate any potential conflicts!

[Micky Hingorani]

Thanks Edna. It should be fine, and I appreciate the feedback about functionality. I can report this to our design team.

[Micky Hingorani]

Hi Anne,

I just finished module 2 but exit button was not working… 🙁

Please let me know if I have to take the knowledge check again and perhaps try the exit button some other day.

Best,

Edna

[Micky Hingorani]

In reference to my community, drug abuse has been a serious driver of HIV. This is because most of rape cases in my community have been associated to drug abuse.This has paved way for drug abusers to acquire HIV through rape.And also to pass on HIV through rape. And  because of drug abuse people do many things outside their rightful mind,which also increases the chances of acquiring  and infecting others.

[Micky Hingorani]

Issue: Bias from stakeholders; could be about the nature of study, they could suspect you are withholding information.

Action: Engage them in information sharing, planning and implementation at different stages.

[Micky Hingorani]

There problem is not just about drug use but also sharing needles to inject cocaine and heroine that are commonly used in our communities.

 

[Micky Hingorani]

Hi Anja,

Glad to hear from you. I work for an organization called Zambart. It is also involved in an Aeras TB Vaccine study in Zambia. I am not on the study but we are working together around community stakeholder involvement.