Intensive Training Course for WHO/TDR in Thailand

From June 4 till June 8 2008, a special training program was held in Thammasat University, close to Bangkok, for the new Promasys users in the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases  of WHO.

During the 5 days program, Jos Hennen, senior director software development, and Wolf Ondracek, general manager, of Promasys, worked with 22 attendants coming  from 8 different countries (Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria , Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Thailand). 

The training attendants are all involved in one or more clinical trials in tropical diseases conducted under the WHO/TDR programme.

The various backgrounds and of the attendants led to interesting and challenging discussions, that will also have their influence on future developments of Promasys software.

‘It is fascinating and a privilege to sit together with people coming from so many different countries, and discuss the challenges of doing large scale multinational clinical trials, with limited resources, but with full dedication to deliver the highest possible data quality. We made many new friends, and this training is just the beginning of a long term collaboration with the WHO TDR programme.’ says Wolf Ondracek.

The training was hosted by Prof. Kesara Na-Banchang of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of Thammasat University, where the Clinical Data Management Centre of WHO/TDR is located . Thanks to Prof. Na-Banchang and her team, the training went smoothly and efficiently, allowing the attendants and the trainers to fully concentrate on the training program.

At the end of the training program, the attendants received a Training Certificate from the hands of Prof. Juntra Karbwang, who is one of the driving forces of the clinical trials program of WHO/TDR and who made it possible that this special training took place.

Before and during the training program, trainers Jos Hennen and Wolf Ondracek were supported by Chandana Wijeratne and Chamini Diluka, representatives from Kingslake, Promasys’ partner company in Sri Lanka. Kingslake and Progress Asia made it possible that the licenses of the underlying Progress data base software were provided to WHO/TDR at a reduced price.