Co-SAM Trial Concludes: Thank You to Our Participants, Families and Partners

Working together to improve recovery for children with severe acute malnutrition

The Co-SAM trial has concluded the study across all participating sites in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, marking an important milestone in our research into improving recovery among children hospitalised with complicated severe acute malnutrition.

The end of study and unblinding convening happened on 6th and 7th October 2026 where study collaborators from all countries convened at Cresta Lodge in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Why this research matters

Co-SAM was established to investigate ways to improve recovery of children with severe acute malnutrition and another health concern such as HIV or cerebral palsy during and after hospitalization. Many children with these conditions continue to face health and nutritional challenges at home, including the risk of infection, readmission and poor growth. Through collaboration between researchers, healthcare teams and communities, the trial sought evidence to help strengthen care for children after hospital discharge.

Thank you to the families and communities

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every child and caregiver who participated in Co-SAM. Your time, commitment and willingness to share your experiences made this research possible. Each study visit and conversation contributed to a better understanding of the challenges families face during recovery.

We also thank our community advisory boards and community partners for their guidance and support throughout the study.

Recognising our study teams and partners

This milestone reflects the dedication of clinical, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, laboratory, psychosocial, data management and administrative teams across the participating sites.

We gratefully acknowledge the collaborating institutions, hospital leadership, Ministries of Health, funders and oversight committees whose contributions supported the conduct of the trial.

What happens next?

With study follow-up and data analysis now complete, Co-SAM is moving into the results dissemination phase.

The findings will be shared with participating communities, healthcare professionals, Ministries of Health and the wider research community through community engagement activities, scientific publications and updates on this website. These discussions will explore what the results mean for children, families and healthcare services, and how they may inform future care and research.

We look forward to sharing the findings and discussing their implications with the communities and partners who made this research possible.

Thank you for being part of Co-SAM and for contributing to research aimed at helping children survive, recover and thrive.

For further information, please visit the Contact Us page on the this website.

Co-SAM Partners Gather in Harare to Discuss Final Study Results

Representatives from Co-SAM’s collaborating institutions and study sites came together at Cresta Lodge in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 6–7 October 2026 for a two-day end-of-study convening.

The meeting marked an important milestone, bringing partners together to review and discuss the final study results following completion of study follow-up and analysis. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the research, consider the findings’ implications for children recovering from complicated severe acute malnutrition, and exchange perspectives across participating countries and institutions.

The convening also offered a moment to recognise the collective effort behind Co-SAM—from the children and caregivers who participated to the teams and partners who supported its delivery.

With the study and analysis complete, Co-SAM now moves into results dissemination, sharing the findings with participating communities, healthcare professionals, policymakers and the wider research community.