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Koech A, Omuse G, Mugo AG, Mwaniki IG, Mutunga JM, Mukhanya MW, Wanje O, Mwashigadi GM, Katana GG, Craik R, von Dadelszen P, Le Doare K, Temmerman M. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in pregnant women in Kilifi, Kenya from March 2020 to March 2022. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1292932. [PMID: 38169905 PMCID: PMC10760635 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1292932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Seroprevalence studies are an alternative approach to estimating the extent of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the evolution of the pandemic in different geographical settings. We aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from March 2020 to March 2022 in a rural and urban setting in Kilifi County, Kenya. Methods We obtained representative random samples of stored serum from a pregnancy cohort study for the period March 2020 to March 2022 and tested for antibodies against the spike protein using a qualitative SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kit (Wantai, total antibodies). All positive samples were retested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies (Euroimmun, ELISA kits, NCP, qualitative, IgG) and anti-spike protein antibodies (Euroimmun, ELISA kits, QuantiVac; quantitative, IgG). Results A total of 2,495 (of 4,703 available) samples were tested. There was an overall trend of increasing seropositivity from a low of 0% [95% CI 0-0.06] in March 2020 to a high of 89.4% [95% CI 83.36-93.82] in Feb 2022. Of the Wantai test-positive samples, 59.7% [95% CI 57.06-62.34] tested positive by the Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP test and 37.4% [95% CI 34.83-40.04] tested positive by the Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac test. No differences were observed between the urban and rural hospital but villages adjacent to the major highway traversing the study area had a higher seroprevalence. Conclusion Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose rapidly, with most of the population exposed to SARS-CoV-2 within 23 months of the first cases. The high cumulative seroprevalence suggests greater population exposure to SARS-CoV-2 than that reported from surveillance data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Koech
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alex G. Mugo
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac G. Mwaniki
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph M. Mutunga
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses W. Mukhanya
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Onesmus Wanje
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace M. Mwashigadi
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey G. Katana
- Kilifi County Department of Health and Sanitation Services, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Rachel Craik
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Jedwab R, Khan AM, Russ J, Zaveri ED. Epidemics, pandemics, and social conflict: Lessons from the past and possible scenarios for COVID-19. WORLD DEVELOPMENT 2021; 147:105629. [PMID: 34866756 PMCID: PMC8633882 DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since COVID-19 broke out, there has been renewed interest in understanding the economic and social dynamics of historical and more recent epidemics and pandemics, from the plagues of Antiquity to modern-day outbreaks like Ebola. These events can have significant impacts on the interplay between poverty and social cohesion, i.e. how different groups in society interact and cooperate to survive and prosper. To that effect, this paper provides a theory-driven overview of how social responses to past epidemics and pandemics were determined by the epidemiological and non-epidemiological characteristics of these outbreaks, with a particular focus on the conditions giving rise to scapegoating and persecution of minority groups, including migrants. We discuss existing theories as well as historical and quantitative studies, and highlight the cases where epidemics and pandemics may lead to milder or more severe forms of scapegoating. Finally, we conclude with a summary of priorities for future research on epidemics, pandemics and social conflict and discuss the possible effects and policy implications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Jedwab
- George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs, 603 North Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Amjad M Khan
- George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs, 603 North Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Jason Russ
- George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs, 603 North Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Esha D Zaveri
- George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs, 603 North Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
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Tafesse W, Chalkley M. Faith-based provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare in Malawi. Soc Sci Med 2021; 282:113997. [PMID: 34183195 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Faith-based organisations constitute the second largest healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa but their religious values might be in conflict with providing some sexual and reproductive health services. We undertake regression analysis on data detailing client-provider interactions from a facility census in Malawi and examine whether religious ownership of facilities is associated with the degree of adherence to family planning guidelines. We find that faith-based organisations offer fewer services related to the investigation and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the promotion of condom use. The estimates are robust to several sensitivity checks on the impact of client selection. Given the prevalence of faith-based facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, our results suggest that populations across the region may be at risk from inadequate sexual and reproductive healthcare provision which could exacerbate the incidence of STIs, such as HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Tafesse
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom.
| | - Martin Chalkley
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom
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