The benefit I have experienced from stakeholder engagement in a rural community where the organization conducted clinical trials and other HIV related research was that of trust, integrity and mutual understanding which are the principles of GPP.
The rural site was to be closed after a decade of research with the community resulting in developing partnerships with traditional leaders. The community stakeholders and members of the community working group (CWG) which is equivalent of the CAB were informed of the closure which was linked to end of trial, funding and staffing logistics. The study results were given to the stakeholders and CWG members by the PI while results were embargoed and the traditional leader said that if anyone disclosed the information, they will appear in the tribal court. This was a true reflection of the community and researchers understanding norms and the research processes by both groups. There was trust and integrity displayed by the community as they maintained confidentiality until the results were released to the public two days later. I share this story at all community events to highlight the impact and benefits of community engagement. There were no negative rumours after the results were released and a CWG member and participant volunteered to speak to the media about their experiences in the trial. These measurable outcomes of maintaining trust and having an understanding of the processes contributed to the success of sharing trial results with the community while these results were embargoed This event took place about 8 years ago.
