Dr Kefyalew Alene
Optimizing interventions to reduce the global burden of post-tuberculosis sequelae
Research Collaboration Award
$30,000.00
2023
Curtin University, collaborating with Harvard Medical School, Harvard University
Dr Kefyalew Alene is a Senior Research Fellow with Curtin University and the Telethon Kids Institute(TKI). This award was key to Dr Alene establishing a research collaboration with Professor Megan Murray who works at Harvard University’s Medical School, Department of Epidemiology. Theircollaborative efforts aimed at identifying effective interventions to prevent a variety of post-tuberculosis (TB) effects on lung, liver, neurological, and mental health resulted in a publication in the highly prestigious The Lancet eClinicalMedicine journal titled: Interventions to prevent post-tuberculosis sequelae: a systematic review and meta-analysis, in early 2024.
TB remains a global public health challenge, causing substantial mortality and morbidity. While TB treatment has made significant progress, it often leaves survivors with post-TB complications, resulting in long-term health issues. The researchers on this project aimed to identify the most effective interventions which would reduce the global burden of the disease.
A patient is deemed cured of TB when they receive a bacteriologically negative result following treatment, at which point they are discharged from the healthcare system, usually without subsequent follow-up. This model of care does not address the ongoing disability and mortality risk faced by TB survivors. The work carried out in identifying effective interventions for the prevention of post-TB effects, addressed a crucial knowledge gap in providing evidence-based strategies for post-TB care and management and showed the importance of timing of specific interventions.
The Research Collaboration Award led to Dr Alene receiving a Visiting Scientist position at Harvard Medical School where collaborative activities led to two manuscripts being produced, one of which is The Lancet paper. It also facilitated the design of future activities, including a collaborative grant proposal for the US National Institute of Health and the Australian National Health & Medical Research Council. The collaboration strengthened ties between TKI, Curtin University, and Harvard University with research findings being shared via presentations and multiple seminars. Further, a collaboratively designed longitudinal cohort study on post-TB outcomes will soon be conducted in Peru and Ethiopia.
Dr Alene explained, “While publishing in The Lancet was undoubtedly a significant milestone, the Awards impact extended far beyond that single achievement. It enabled me to establish a transformative research collaboration with Harvard University, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange at an international level. Additionally, the grant facilitated the exploration of crucial research questions, leading to valuable insights and advancements in our understanding of interventions to prevent post-tuberculosis sequelae. The award has been instrumental in not only advancing my own career but also contributing to the broader scientific community and ultimately improving tuberculosis patient outcomes."