CIDRZ Strengthens Research with Community and Retention Training
The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has recently conducted a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) training aimed at strengthening programme strategies, ensuring compliance, and improving research quality across its projects.
The training featured expert-led presentations covering a broad range of topics, equipping participants with practical guidance to enhance research processes and uphold high standards across all studies.
Agness Kabamba Chitoshi, Community Liaison Officer at CIDRZ, delivered a session on community engagement, participant recruitment, and retention. She highlighted the pivotal role of engaging local communities in the success of research initiatives.
“Community engagement provides a platform to share information with key stakeholders, gather valuable feedback, and foster cooperation and integration in research activities,” Ms Chitoshi said.
She stressed that working closely with Community Advisory Boards (CABs) and Neighbourhood Health Committees (NHCs) is essential for developing effective recruitment strategies and identifying suitable venues tailored to the study population.
Ms Chitoshi further noted that participant recruitment is an ongoing process, remaining critical until all study targets are achieved. She also emphasised participant retention as a top priority, highlighting the need to maintain retention rates of 90 per cent or higher.
High retention, she explained, ensures robust, reliable research outcomes, strengthens the validity of findings, and contributes to the overall success of research programmes.
The SOP training highlights CIDRZ’s commitment to upholding excellence in research through strategic community engagement and rigorous participant management, further positioning the organisation as a leader in health research across Zambia.
