Evaluation of the Integration of Ag-RDTs for COVID-19 in MNCH, HIV and TB Services in Cameroon and Kenya

Assessing the Effectiveness of Integration of Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in MNCH, HIV and TB Services in Cameroon and Kenya: A Pre- and Post- Implementation Evaluation (Effectiveness Study)

In many national Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response plans, including in Kenya and Cameroon, antigen detection tests are being used to improve access for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. Targeting the populations most at risk for COVID-19 disease, including pregnant women, people living with HIV, and patients with tuberculosis (TB), and those who are the most vulnerable to transmission to other populations, can reduce the negative impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Catalyzing COVID-19 Action (CCA) aims to strengthen detection by screening and diagnosing cases of SARS-CoV-2 in MNCH clinics, HIV clinics, and TB clinics and enhancing the management of COVID-positive cases. The main goal of the CCA project is to reduce deaths and severe illnesses caused by COVID-19 through early access to reliable diagnosis and effective treatment through innovative models of care. Both countries will conduct a pre- and post-implementation evaluation to compare screening, testing, care, and treatment of patients undergoing COVID-19 screening, testing, and treatment before and after the integration of facilities taking part in the CCA project.

Background The use of simple and affordable rapid diagnostic antigen detection tests (Ag-RDT) to expand access to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing is being incorporated into many national Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response plans, including in Cameroon and Kenya. Ag-RDT are less expensive, highly sensitive, provide faster results, and require little technical support to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection. Targeting populations at high risk for COVID-19 and severe outcomes, and at risk of transmitting infection to other vulnerable populations has the potential to mitigate the propagation and effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These high-risk populations include pregnant women, people living with HIV, and patients with tuberculosis. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in these populations in Africa and on the integration of Ag-RDT testing into Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH), HIV, and TB clinics are limited.

Objectives The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the integration of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT in the MNCH, HIV and TB clinics in Cameroon and Kenya on SARS-CoV-2 testing and routine service delivery as compared to baseline. Investigators will also describe facility and individual factors that are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cascade of care and clinical outcomes in the post -integration period.

Methods A pre- and post-implementation evaluation design will be implemented in both countries to compare COVID-19 testing before and after the Ag-RDT integration. The study will be conducted in 61 purposively selected facilities (31 in Kenya and 30 in Cameroon). The population will include attendees at the MNCH, HIV and TB clinics at all the 61 facilities. SARS-CoV-2 screening will be performed for all attendees and testing offered to those who meet eligibility criteria as part of the MOH supported COVID-19 response. The study will consist of abstraction/extraction of routine facility service delivery records for secondary analysis of the program data only. There is no specific sample size but investigators estimate >10,000 clinic attendees will be screened.

Study Outcome The evidence generated by this evaluation will be used to support policy recommendations for improving COVID-19 testing, isolation, and treatment solutions in existing health platforms. This evaluation will allow for dissemination of results and subsequent adoption of proven models for integration and decentralization of COVID testing in multiple countries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• MNCH services: all pregnant and breastfeeding women coming for antenatal care or post-natal care will be offered SARS-CoV-2 screening and testing; all children > 2 years brought to the facility for routine immunization or under 5 years old clinics and their mother or caregivers will also be offered this service.
• HIV services: all children (2-17 years) and adults (>18 years) attending HIV services, including those coming for a clinical or laboratory visit, those coming to collect medications or for counseling/support groups, and those who are accompanying patients (such as caregivers of HIV infected child, etc.) will be offered SARS-CoV-2 screening and testing.
• TB services: all children (2-17 years) and adults (>18 years) attending TB services, including those coming for a clinical or laboratory visit, those coming to collect medications or for TB preventive therapy, and those who are accompanying patients (such as parent of a child, household contact, etc).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinic attendees from MNCH, HIV and TB clinics who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within the past two weeks.