Perspective piece effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth call for evidence through multicountry research collaboration
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2-1-2021
Journal
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume
104
Issue
2
DOI
10.4269/ajtmh.20-1553
Abstract
© 2021 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 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.
APA Citation
Nachega, J., Sam-Agudu, N., Budhram, S., Taha, T., Vannevel, V., Somapillay, P., Ishoso, D., Pipo, M., Nswe, C., Ditekemena, J., Ayele, B., Machekano, R., Gachuno, O., Kinuthia, J., Mwongeli, N., Sekikubo, M., Musoke, P., & Agbeno, E. (2021). Perspective piece effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth call for evidence through multicountry research collaboration. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 104 (2). http://dx.doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.20-1553