Understanding COVID-19 Infections in Pregnant Women and Their Babies in 5 African Nations (periCOVID Africa)

Develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surveillance in pregnancy in The Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Uganda Estimate the seroepidemiology of COVID-19 infection among pregnant women in these countries Define the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pregnant women and their babies and determine the presence of antibodies in cord blood Work with communities to develop understanding of infection prevention and control techniques to reduce the spread of COVID-19 amongst the pregnant population

This study has been set up as part of the response to the international outbreak of the novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). The aim of the study is to answer important questions about the impact of the novel coronavirus on pregnant women and their infants. The investigators aim to describe the sero-epidemiology and burden of COVID-19 disease among pregnant women, as well as the impact on maternal and neonatal health, by collecting epidemiological data and by collecting samples during pregnancy, labour and delivery and in the neonatal period. Data from this study will be pooled from 5 countries; Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, the Gambia, and Kenya to provide robust and generalisable evidence from the different regions in sub-Saharan Africa. the investigators hope that with this information, they can contribute to the evidence base for recommendations, guidance and policy decisions for the clinical management and public health response to protect pregnant women and their infants.