Announcement of Solicitation for Letters of Interest and Applications for PERCH Pneumonia Etiology Research Sites

The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) project is a rigorous multi-country, case-control study of hospitalized pediatric patients with severe lower respiratory tract illnesses (hereafter referred to as pneumonia) to determine the etiology and risk factors associated with the syndrome. PERCH is seeking 5-6 sites to conduct the research that in aggregate will represent most of severe pneumonia in developing country settings where pneumonia morbidity and mortality are highest. In order to determine where and how such studies might be carried out, PERCH is interested in identifying sites that are interested in and capable of contributing to this large, multi-country project on pneumonia etiology.

We intend to use a step wise approach to identify and select sites. The first step is a letter of interest, followed by completion of the full application describing the epidemiology and technical capacity of the proposed site. A panel of experts will review the applications to identify sites that may merit further evaluation, perhaps including a site visit and/or solicitation of a more detailed response to clarify the application responses if needed. This review process will lead to a recommendation to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation of a set of sites for participation in the study. The selected set of sites will participate in finalization of the protocol, budget and standardized procedures of study methods.

By February, 2010, we expect to have selected sites for the final study. By June 10, 2010, we expect to have a Go/No Go decision on the conduct of the multi-country case-control study. The conduct of the study at any site is contingent on the Go/No Go decision and on availability of funds.

For the PERCH Solicitation Letter outlining objectives and site eligibility, click here.
For the PERCH Letter of Interest Guidelines, click here.
For the PERCH Site Evaluation Form, click here.
For the PERCH Site Application Form, click here.

Deadlines and Forms:
May 18, 2009: Please submit the Letter of Interest (this is not necessary for the application but it is encouraged to aid in planning for efficient review process).
June 30, 2009: Complete applications are due.

The information contained in this Alert is available on our website at http://www.preventpneumo.org/PERCH_Field_Site_LOI.cfm.