May 21 and 22, 2026, marked the training workshop for the STEP Sickle Cell Anemia project. It brought together all key project stakeholders and was primarily aimed at training staff involved in the study on the protocol and procedures for carrying out the activities.

The first day of the workshop opened with remarks by Professor Koudou, the project’s principal investigator, and Dr. Adouéni, representing the National Program for the Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, and focused on the following topics:

• Training participants on the quantitative study protocol to ensure a consistent understanding of the protocol.
• Coordinating activities to ensure smooth and effective implementation and greater engagement from the project team.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis of the project, to enable participants to better understand this aspect of the project, which will help determine the budgetary impact associated with early and comprehensive management of sickle cell disease in children testing positive in Côte d'Ivoire.
• Site preparation, which will involve verifying their compliance with GCP (Good Clinical Practices) before the project begins.
• Project risk management, to facilitate the implementation of strategies for anticipating and mitigating risks.
• The informed consent process, which is a fundamental step in the study. It enabled participants to understand the ethical issues and practical details.

The second day focused primarily on practicing the consent process with participants to help them better understand it and, as a result, master the various steps. It allowed them to practice through simulations designed to prepare them for real-world situations and to develop the appropriate responses to challenges that may arise during the enrollment phase.

This day was also enriched by training participants on how to use the REDCap database for the study’s data collection. A simulation session was conducted to help them become familiar with the software.

At the end of the workshop, Professor Koudou addressed the participants with words of thanks and encouragement, while commending their commitment and involvement over the two days.

The workshop was officially closed by Dr. Arra, representative of the National Program for the Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, who expressed her satisfaction with the participants’ enthusiasm during this intensive and productive training.

Yao Laurence/GLP