VectorLink Ensures a Net Gain!

Sometimes success lies in what you don’t see. For example, recently VectorLink Ghana took over the ongoing ITN monitoring and distribution activities from VectorWorks (VW) as they closed out their project. Without a hitch or a hiccup, PSI (as the lead implementer of VectorLink’s net component) seamlessly completed the 12-month data collection for the ITN durability monitoring study that VW initiated in 2018 and successfully met the mid-July 2019 deadline. Transferring a live study from one implementing partner to another can be tricky to ensure activities comply with and uphold high research ethics standards. The appropriate IRB approvals and transfer of responsibility from VectorWorks/JHU to VectorLink/PSI required careful planning to ensure the outgoing team and the incoming team were both adherents to protocol during the transition.

VL Ghana negotiated and signed a contract with the in-country research institution that has served as the principal investigator for this study since the baseline. VL Ghana also led a virtual study “kick-off” with the National Malaria Control Program and other government partners in May, formally announcing the transition of the durability monitoring work to VL Ghana.

Advanced planning, active collaboration of all partners and the aspiration for a smooth transition yielded fruitful results. VL Ghana has conducted successful training and data collection activity to gather information on ITN survivorship and physical durability in two districts in northern Ghana. The project team observed only minor issues to be corrected for the next round of data collection in summer 2020, at the 24-month point.

Congratulations, VectorLink Ghana & PSI!