The Executive team from the Foundation of Innovative and New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland, comprising of Emma Hannay (Chief Access Officer, FIND), Dr. Sanjay Sarin (Executive Director, FIND India) and Prof. Mathu Ndung’u (Executive Director, FIND Kenya) joined the JKUAT COHES Research team members and the Kajiado County CHMT members during a data collection exercise for the study “Utilization of digital tools to enhance COVID-19 and TB testing and linkage to care among Boda Boda riders in the Nairobi metropolis”.
They were received by Prof Simon Karanja the JKUAT COHES Research Project lead, Dr. John Gachohi and Dr. Thomas Ngigi (The Kajiado study Coordinators for Kajiado Sub-Counties).
The FIND team were taken through the study camp and briefed on the various camp stations (the participant consenting process, medical check, COVID-19 and TB screening, COVID-19 sampling, COVID-19 AgRDT testing, receiving of the TB sample station and finally the communication of Covid 19 results station) that a participant has to visit while in the camp.
During their tour, the FIND team members had an opportunity to interview and discuss with the members of the CHMT and the data clerks of the Kajiado County study team on a wide range of issues. They were able to get first-hand information on the roles and experiences of the officers at each station. In addition, the FIND team were able to get insights about COVID-19 and TB screening, testing and vaccination in the County.
The team held a brief discussion with Mr. Gitau, the Chair Boda boda Safety Association (BAK) Ngong Sub-County, on the mobilization of his members to attend the medical camp, the views of BAK members on the screening, testing and vaccination against COVID 19. Further, the FIND team held informal discussions on a wide range of issues concerning the study and related health concerns in the Kajiado County and Kenya with members of the JKUAT COHES Research team. They reiterated the importance of getting feedback from the participants of the study. They applauded the study team members for their efforts to collect data. They looked forward to receiving the analyzed data in not the distant future.
The JKUAT COHES Research team members present included Prof. Simon Karanja, Prof. Fred Wamunyokoli, Dr. John Gachohi, Dr. Thomas Ngigi and Dr. Jane Aduda.
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