OptiMAx: testing SQ-LNS to boost vaccination in rural Chad and Niger

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The OptiMAx program evaluates whether combining monthly SQ-LNS supplementation with immunization services improves vaccination coverage, particularly Pentavalent 3 and Measles 1, in children aged 12–23 months. It also looks at whether receiving SQ-LNS before malnutrition develops influences outcomes under the OptiMA protocol. The project includes household surveys, a mixed-methods process evaluation, and a gender sub-study conducted in rural sites in Chad and Niger, led by ALIMA with collaboration from academic and public health partners. Participants include infants 6–12 months who will receive SQ-LNS until 18 months, and caregivers and community members involved in implementation and evaluation. The study is conducted at Ngouri and Mirriah hospitals and involves data on malnutrition and vaccination uptake to inform potential policy and program design.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* All non-malnourished children between 6 and 12 months of age will be eligible for SQ-LNS supplementation until they reach 18 months of age.

For the annual household surveys,

* Children aged 6 to 59 months will be surveyed on MUAC status and other malnutrition-related issues, while the immunization analysis will focus on children aged 12 to 23 months;
* With the informed oral consent of the parents or legal guardian ;
* Reside in the neighborhoods included in the study.

For the mixed-methods process evaluation and gender sub-study (to be carried out in the months following implementation).

Inclusion criteria

* OptiMAx intervention personnel (e.g. healthcare staff)
* A group of mothers of children benefiting from the intervention
* Male partners/spouses of parents
* Community members from the sites targeted by the intervention will be recruited for the focus groups.
* Non-adherents or parents who choose not to continue nutritional supplementation and/or vaccination despite their availability under the program will be recruited for interviews.
* Husbands/male partners of non-members will also be surveyed.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age-eligible children with MUAC \<125 or edema will first be treated for acute malnutrition with OptiMA and then resume supplementation with SQ-LNS.

There is no exclusion criteria for the annual household surveys

Exclusion criteria for the mixed-methods process evaluation

\- Parents or guardians under 15 years of age.

Where it's running

• Ngouri hospital
  Ngouri, Lac Region, Chad Recruiting
• Mirriah hospital
  Mirriah, Zinder Region, Niger Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kevin Phelan, MSc — ALIMA - The Alliance for International Medical Action
• Study coordinator: Kevin Phelan, MSc
• Email: kevin.phelan@alima.ngo
• Phone: +33 664235628

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.