Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth call for evidence through multicountry research collaboration
Author
Nachega, Jean B.Sam-Agudu, Nadia A.
Budhram, Samantha
Taha, Taha E.
Vannevel, Valerie
Somapillay, Priya
Ishoso, Daniel Katuashi
Pipo, Michel Tshiasuma
Nswe, Christian Bongo Pasi
Ditekemena, John
Ayele, Birhanu T.
Machekano, Rhoderick N.
Gachuno, Onesmus W.
Kinuthia, John
Mwongeli, Nancy
Sekikubo, Musa
Musoke, Philippa
Agbeno, Evans Kofi
Umar, Lawal W.
Ntakwinja, Mukanire
Mukwege, Denis M.
Smith, Emily R.
Mills, Eduard J.
Otshudiema, John Otokoye
Mbala-Kingebeni, Placide
Kayembe, Jean Marie N.
Landu, Don Jethro Mavungu
Tamfum, Jean Jacques Muyembe
Zumla, Alimuddin
Langenegger, Eduard J.
Mofenson, Lynne M.
Date
2021-02-01Journal
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and HygienePublisher
American Society of Tropical Medicine and HygieneType
Article
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In the African context, there is a paucity of data on SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated COVID-19 in pregnancy. Given the endemicity of infections such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis (TB) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it is important to evaluate coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on maternal/infant outcomes. Robust research is critically needed to evaluate the effects of the added burden of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to help develop evidence-based policies toward improving maternal and infant outcomes. In this perspective, we briefly review current knowledge on the clinical features of COVID-19 in pregnancy; the risks of preterm birth and cesarean delivery secondary to comorbid severity; the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetus/neonate; and in utero mother-to-child SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We further highlight the need to conduct multicountry surveillance as well as retrospective and prospective cohort studies across SSA. This will enable assessments of SARS-CoV-2 burden among pregnant African women and improve the understanding of the spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in this population, which may be living with or without HIV, TB, and/or other coinfections/comorbidities. In addition, multicountry studies will allow a better understanding of risk factors and outcomes to be compared across countries and subregions. Such an approach will encourage and strengthen much-needed intra-African, south-to-south multidisciplinary and interprofessional research collaborations. The African Forum for Research and Education in Health's COVID-19 Research Working Group has embarked upon such a collaboration across Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.Sponsors
National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentIdentifier to cite or link to this item
http://hdl.handle.net/10713/14793ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.4269/ajtmh.20-1553
Scopus Count
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