UKZN Celebrates Graduate’s Innovative Study on COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Recruitment

Former quality and regulatory co-ordinator at the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) HIV and Infectious Diseases Unit, Ms Kumari Naicker graduated with a Master of Public Health.

Her research, titled: “Study Recruiters’ Perspectives on Participant Recruitment in COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal”, was supervised by Professor Shenuka Singh.

Naicker’s study explored key facilitators and barriers to participant recruitment during the pandemic, from the unique viewpoint of trial recruiters.

Her findings revealed that personal experiences with COVID-19, public awareness and external motivators such as financial incentives and visible vaccination status of recruiters positively influenced trial participation. Barriers included public reluctance to participate due to mistrust, fear of side effects and widespread misinformation. Recruiters also faced time constraints, competition between trial sites, and operational challenges during the pandemic. Recruitment strategies involved collaboration with various stakeholders and communities, improving study accessibility, and involving diverse staff in participant recruitment. Recruiters recommended continuous community engagement, simplifying trial protocols, improving informational materials, and strategic use of social media as ways to enhance future recruitment efforts.

‘This study is relatively novel,’ said Naicker, ‘as it captures underexplored insights from recruiters in a local context during a global crisis. I hope it informs future clinical trial recruitment strategies and strengthens public health outcomes.’

Her passion for research stems from her time at SAMRC, where she witnessed first-hand challenges faced in enrolling participants for vaccine trials. Despite experiencing deeply personal hardships during her studies – including the passing of her mother and grandmother, becoming a new mother, and recovering from a leg injury – Naicker remained resolute.

‘My husband, my sister, and the unwavering support of Professor Singh kept me grounded,’ she said. ‘Professor Singh’s guidance and kindness made a tremendous impact on my academic journey.’

Born and raised in Phoenix, Durban, Naicker has a background in microbiology and has worked extensively on trials for HIV, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. She is now a stay-at-home mum to her 17-month-old daughter and plans to pursue a PhD to further contribute to impactful research.

Outside of academia, Naicker enjoys baking, hiking, travelling, and spending time in nature – activities that help her maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini