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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any pregnant woman or emancipated minor at any gestation, up to and including day of delivery. Individual study sites may have their own specific inclusion/exclusion criteria which is not listed here.
• Accepts to read or to be read to and sign or fingerprint the approved study consent form

Pregnant women

Women are recruited into the study either during antenatal visits, or during labour (convenience sampling). All participant women will have a cord blood sample taken at the time of delivery. In addition, some of the study sites, as part of their individual cohorts , include blood sampling from the same individual at different time points during pregnancy as well . If serial sampling is being performed, intervals between each round of collecting specimens should be of a period of greater than 21 days (the half-life of IgG is approximately 42days).