The ACCELERATE (mAnaging siCkle CELl disEase through incReased AdopTion of hydroxyurEa) Comprehensive Refresher Training was held to reinforce the capacity of stakeholders, harmonize implementation approaches, and address operational challenges across all program sites.

Event Overview

Date: March 23–25, 2026

Venue: ASUU Facility, University of Abuja Main Campus & Virtual

Format: Hybrid (In-person and remote participation)

Attendance: 63 participants, including CESRTA staff, Principal Investigators, research assistants, healthcare providers, and site coordinators.

 Key Training Highlights

Rather than a standard lecture format, the three-day event blended theoretical refreshers with practical, hands-on learning across several core focus areas:

• Operational Coordination & Monitoring: Led by CESRTA leadership and monitoring experts, sessions focused on standardizing operational procedures, improving workflow efficiency, and adhering to the Program Monitoring Plan. Emphasis was placed on timely reporting and data quality assurance.
• Practical Site Visits: Participants visited UATH-A and National Hospital to observe real-time clinical workflows, data handling processes, and participant management. Teams also reviewed and collected redacted consent forms, contextualizing theoretical knowledge into real-world practice.
• Implementation Strategy & Protocols: Comprehensive overviews of the ACCELERATE strategy were provided, alongside deep dives into baseline participant visits and the integration of SIM and TASSH TCP components.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Interactive sessions allowed site teams to share successes, challenges, and innovative solutions, fostering collaborative problem-solving across different implementation sites.

Outcomes and Next Steps

Pre- and post-training assessments demonstrated a measurable improvement in participants’ understanding of the study protocols and monitoring processes. Attendees left with increased confidence and a renewed commitment to achieving the program’s goals for sickle cell disease management.

To maintain this momentum, leadership established the following Action Points:

• Ensure strict adherence to the Program Monitoring Plan across all implementation sites.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation and reporting of program activities.
• Strengthen cross-site coordination and communication among teams.
• Directly apply lessons learned from the site visits and peer discussions to improve daily operations.
• Organize periodic refresher trainings to sustain capacity development and program fidelity.