GOALIE Investigator and Team Meeting: Mid-Project Updates and Celebrations
The GOALIE investigator team recently came together virtually with trial staff for an exciting and productive meeting, filled with updates, reflections, and well-earned celebrations! This gathering was an opportunity to recognize the incredible progress made in the trial and highlight the dedication and hard work of the entire team.
The foundation for the open and collaborative relationship between the investigators and team was laid about one year ago, when the investigators visited the project site in Lira, Uganda. During that in-person session, the groups worked together to discuss strategies to overcome enrollment obstacles, participate in bilateral training about research methods, best practices, and RHD in general.
One of the most outstanding achievements shared in this 2025 session, was the completion of trial enrollment—a milestone that many clinical trials struggle to reach. Successfully enrolling 1004 participants, especially within the targeted timeline, is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the team's commitment, strategic planning, and community engagement efforts. The accomplishment of full enrollment brings us one step closer to our ultimate goal of making a meaningful impact through the GOALIE trial to further understand the treatment for RHD.
During the virtual meeting, which included investigators and administrators from three countries across multiple time zones, the Uganda-based research team provided key updates, including the successful completion of echo screening to find eligible participants and insights into the challenges faced along the way. Illustrating to the team’s resilience and problem-solving mindset, after describing each challenge, the team also described the innovative solutions they employed to keep the trial running smoothly, including individualized participant plans, alarm clocks for reminders for participants to take their medication, and education sessions about adherence. Clinical Research Coordinator, Jenifer Atala said, “We were pleased to have the opportunity to re-connect with the GOALIE investigators again one year after their in-person visit. We were excited to share our accomplishments and show them how we have incorporated their suggestions into some of the challenges we have faced.”
After hearing from the GOALIE staff, each investigator shared updates on their respective packages of work, detailing the progress made on the secondary aims of the trial such as coding and analysis of participant and parent focus group discussions, cost of RHD care, and diagnostic accuracy of the 2023 World Heart Federation echo screening criteria. The meeting confirmed that GOALIE is progressing right on schedule.
Natalie Carvahlo, a co-investigator said, “I am continually impressed by the work the GOALIE team does on a daily basis, the accomplishments the GOALIE team has achieved thus far is truly amazing.”
Caption: Members of our GOALIE Team outside of the GOALIE House.
This meeting was more than just an update—it was a celebration of collaboration, perseverance, and the unwavering dedication of every team member. As we move forward, the GOALIE team remains motivated by the impact this trial will have on children, families, and communities in RHD endemic areas.