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Dr. Richard Lessells joined collaborators in Kampala, Uganda, for the unblinding of the HARVEST trial, a major South-South research initiative evaluating high-dose rifampicin for TB meningitis, culminating in the rapid drafting and submission of the study's main manuscript.

Dr Richard Lessells visited the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda between Monday 24 February and Thursday 27 February. This was for the unblinding meeting for the HARVEST trial. This randomised controlled trial is evaluating whether high-dose oral rifampicin improves survival in HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults with TB meningitis.

Richard travelled with the Durban study team, including Prof Kogie Naidoo and Dr Bongeka Hlabisa from CAPRISA, and Prof Yunus Moosa from UKZN Department of Infectious Diseases. The trial is an excellent example of a South-South collaboration, involving teams in Uganda, Indonesia and South Africa, with Chief Investigators Prof David Meya from IDI, Uganda and Prof Rovina Ruslami from Bandung, Indonesia. The study also benefited from strong support from long-standing collaborators at the University of Minnesota in the US and Radboud University in the Netherlands. In Durban, the trial was conducted at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital and Victoria Mxenge Hospital (formerly King Edward VIII Hospital).

After reviewing the results of the primary analysis, the team worked together to write the manuscript reporting the main findings. This was done within three days, and the paper was submitted to the journal before we all left Kampala. A great example of teamwork in action!

Pics: Supplied by Dr. Richard Lessells

Image 1: The HARVEST study team, after finishing manuscript writing!

Image 2: Dr Lessells in his traditional Ugandan attire, known as a Kanzu.

Image 3: Richard and other visiting clinicians during visit to Mulago National Referral Hospital

News date: 2025-04-03

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