DOI: 10.1111/irv.13170 ISSN:

Short communication—Lessons learnt during the implementation of Unity‐aligned SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence studies in Africa

Elise Farley, Joseph Okeibunor, Thierno Balde, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jackie Kleynhans, Joseph Francis Wamala, Nongodo Firmin Kaboré, Saidou Balam, Dick Chamla, Fiona Braka, Lorenzo Subissi, Belinda Herring, Mairead G. Whelan, Isabel Bergeri, Hannah C. Lewis
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology
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Abstract

The WHO Unity Studies initiative engaged low‐ and middle‐income countries in the implementation of standardised SARS‐CoV‐2 sero‐epidemiological investigation protocols and timely sharing of comparable results for evidence‐based action. To gain a deeper understanding of the methodological challenges faced when conducting seroprevalence studies in the African region, we conducted unstructured interviews with key study teams in five countries. We discuss the challenges identified: participant recruitment and retention, sampling, sample and data management, data analysis and presentation. Potential solutions to aid future implementation include preparedness actions such as the development of new tools, robust planning and practice.

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