ANC COVID-19 Surveillance

Overview

The purpose of this observational study is to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the community with pregnant women aged 15-49 years attending first antenatal care as the sentinel population. Further, the study seeks: * To determine the feasibility and acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests among pregnant women * To estimate the prevalence of HIV-COVID 19 co-infection among pregnant women aged 15-49 years * To determine sociodemographic factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among pregnant women * To compare trends in seroprevalence among pregnant women with routine surveillance data to determine if ANC sentinel surveillance is a viable surveillance strategy for SARS-CoV-2 The main question it aims to answer is: \- What is the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women attending first ANC visit in Zambia? Participants will be expected to give consent to participating in the study on the day of their first antenatal visit. They should allow the collection of a dried blood spot for SARS-CoV-2 antibody test.

This surveillance platform may be able to provide key information on the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the general population. By using serologic testing to understand trends in the proportion of pregnant women over time who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2, we will be able to understand not only the ultimate proportion of pregnant women who were ever infected, but also be able to track and potentially detect outbreaks (e.g. in areas with increasing positivity rates), unlike data that would be available from a single cross-sectional survey, which could give the overall prevalence at a single point in time. Zambia is experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. From March 18, 2020 to February 19, 2021, at total of 73,203 confirmed cases have been reported in Zambia. However, the true number is likely much larger, because surveillance systems for SARS-CoV-2 in Zambia are incomplete. Since 2020, the coronavirus disease has become a major public health concern and sustainable and efficient surveillance platforms are urgently needed; assessing women attending 1st ANC should provide insights into transmission trends in the general population. This activity will determine what proportion of pregnant women demonstrate evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection over time. The findings of this research may be used to change the way health system monitors the epidemic and ensures health services are made available with minimal disruptions. The study was implemented at 39 public health facilities. A sample of 20 pregnant women attending their first ANC visit at the selected study sites will be enrolled into the study until the monthly sample size is reached.