Monitoring COVID-19 Occurrence in a Resource-limited Setting - COVID-19 Sentinel Surveillance in Malawi
Ulaya, G.; Kabaghe, A.; Saussier, C.; MacLachlan, E.; Smith-Sreen, J.; Katumbi, C.; Bello, G.; Tafatatha, T.; Chaponda, L.; Mvula, B.; Kagoli, M.; Chilima, B.; Bitilinyu-Bangoh, J.; Chisuwo, L.; Babaye, Y.; Chitenje, M.; Bighignoli, B.; Bangara, F.; Namakhoma, I.; Chauma-Mwale, A.; OMalley, G.; Mirkovic, K.; Wadonda-Kabondo, N.
Show abstract
The routine COVID-19 surveillance in Malawi that relied on retrospective reporting could not efficiently steer timely measures to the rapidly evolving pandemic. To monitor real-time changes in infections and inform the COVID-19 response, we implemented an active sentinel surveillance system from July to December 2022. SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in selected health facilities (HFs) and anyone aged [≥]5 years entering at Point of Entry (PoEs) sites were eligible to participate. Self-reported epidemiological and clinical data, and nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from 9,305 participants. A higher overall SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity rate was observed at HFs, 8.9% among symptomatic and 6.5% among asymptomatic patients, versus 3.5% at PoEs. The positivity trends among symptomatic and asymptomatic patient groups showed a similar pattern throughout the period. This active surveillance complemented routine surveillance, especially during a low incidence period and highlighted the need to target both symptomatic and asymptomatic population.
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