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Short Communication - Lessons learnt during the implementation of Unity-aligned SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in Africa
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  • Elise Farley,
  • Joseph Okeibunor,
  • Thierno Balde,
  • Irene Owusu Donkor,
  • Jackie Kleynhans,
  • Joseph Wamala,
  • Nongodo KaborĂ©,
  • Saidou Balam,
  • Dick Chamla,
  • Fiona Braka,
  • Lorenzo Subissi,
  • Belinda Herring,
  • Mairead Whelan,
  • Isabel Bergeri,
  • Hannah Lewis
Elise Farley
World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Joseph Okeibunor
World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
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Thierno Balde
World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
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Irene Owusu Donkor
University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
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Jackie Kleynhans
National Institute for Communicable Diseases
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Joseph Wamala
World Health Organization, South Sudan
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Nongodo Kaboré
Institut National de Santé Publique
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Saidou Balam
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako
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Dick Chamla
World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
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Fiona Braka
World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
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Lorenzo Subissi
World Health Organization
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Belinda Herring
WHO Regional Office for Africa
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Mairead Whelan
University of Calgary
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Isabel Bergeri
World Health Organization
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Hannah Lewis
World Health Organization
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Abstract

The WHO Unity Studies initiative engaged low- and middle-income countries in the implementation of standardized 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 Africa region, we conducted unstructured interviews with key study teams in five countries. We discuss the challenges identified: participant recruitment and retention, sample frame, sample and data management, data analysis and presentation to policy makers. Potential solutions to aid future implementation include preparedness actions such as the development of new tools, robust planning and practice.
28 Apr 2023Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
02 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
02 May 2023Assigned to Editor
02 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
01 Jun 20231st Revision Received
02 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
02 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
02 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Accept