PROMISE Trial protocol training kicks off in Zimbabwe

The PROtecting Mothers and their Infants through Screening and Comprehensive Management of SExually Transmitted Infections in Antenatal Care in Zimbabwe (PROMISE) Trial commenced its protocol training on 19 June, running through to 4 July.

A total of 36 team members—17 Research Nurses, 17 Research Assistants, and 2 Laboratory Technologists—are undergoing training on trial procedures, including ultrasound scanning for gestational age confirmation, STI testing and management, sample and data collection, data management, and laboratory workflows.

The training began with an interactive, hands-on session on performing ultrasound scans using the FAMLI app, an AI-powered tool for gestational staging that helps determine participant eligibility. The PROMISE team received training from a Zambian team experienced in implementing the app.

Using gelatin-based models, trainees practiced probe handling before progressing to scans with volunteer pregnant women. The PROMISE Trial aims to assess the impact of STI screening and treatment during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study will recruit 12,780 participants (6,390 in each arm: intervention and control) and test for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng), and Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv).