A training workshop on qualitative research methods facilitated by Prof. Zaman and Dr. Papreen

Social Science for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (5S) Foundation is a four-year project funded by the UK’s National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). The Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) as lead coordinator from the UK; the project is being implemented in three African countries--Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Sudan. The project focuses on three neglected tropical diseases: Podoconiosis, Scabies and Mycetoma. By adopting social science methods and perspectives, the 5S project aims to contribute to the efforts underway to eradicate these NTDs and their socio-economic burdens. Also, strong south-north and south-south collaboration among the implementing institutions, skill transfer and building the capacity of emerging researchers are among the aims of the project. It is recalled that 5S Ethiopia project has built a strong working relationship with the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA) and had organized a capacity building Training of Trainers (ToT) on Research Ethics and Research for publication for ESSSWA members in January 2022. As a continuation of capacity building activity, recently the Social Science for Severe Stigmatized Skin Disease (The 5S Foundation) project in collaboration with ESSSWA conducted a fruitful three-day capacity-building workshop on "Qualitative Research Methodology" from 25th to 27th May, 2022 at Mado Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 24 participants attended the training from ESSSWA regional chapter universities, 5S project staff, and ESSSWA IRB and board members. Out of these, 16 are males and the rest are 8 are female participants. The training was delivered by Professor Shahaduz Zaman, Professor in Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Department of Global Health and Infection, University of Sussex, UK; and Dr. Papreen Nahar, senior research fellow, Department of Global Health and Infection, University of Sussex, UK. The goal of the workshop was to provide an overview of the epistemological foundations and principles of qualitative research methodology. Furthermore, the workshop aimed to improve skills in various qualitative data collection methods, as well as to provide knowledge in qualitative data analysis principles and coding skills. It contributes a lot improving the appropriate knowledge and skills to critically appraise qualitative research papers on the ground. The program introduction was presented by Mr. Mulguta Hussien, project officer at ESSSWA, followed by Mr. Garedew Yilma, 5S Ethiopia project coordinator, who welcomed all participants and commended the training workshop. Mr. Garedew expressed his heartfelt gratitude in his speech to the trainers who traveled thousands of miles from the UK and devoted their valuable time and expertise to delivering the training for free. He also emphasized the purpose of the workshop in enhancing the competence of social science researchers and professionals from different universities in qualitative research methodologies. Following this, he also expresses his anticipation of the attendees to and roll out the training to their respective colleagues, students, and practitioners in their respective institutions. Though Mr. Amare Worku, Chairperson of ESSSWA, anticipated that the trainers would share their accumulated knowledge, experience and skills with the training participants. In addition to this, he also calls for participants to actively participate and make the training session very interactive and fruitful. Subsequent to this, all participants were introduced themselves, their roles and institutions where they came from. Professor Getnet Tadele, PI of the 5S Ethiopia project was arrived in Addis from Amesterdam in the same day in morning, but he came to the training session directly without taking rest. He warmly welcomed Professor Zaman and Dr. Papreen and workshop participants. He also emphasized the importance of qualitative research methodology for social science researchers which can help to have a deeper understanding of experiences, phenomenon and context.