The critical need for pooled data on coronavirus disease 2019 in African children : an AFREhealth call for action through multicountry research collaboration
Sam-Agudu, Nadia A.; Rabie, Helena; Byamungu, Liliane Nsuli; Masekela, Refiloe; Van der Zalm, Marieke M.; Redfern, Andrew; Dramowski, Angela; Mukalay, Abdon; Gachuno, Onesmus W.; Mongweli, Nancy; Kinuthia, John; Ishoso, Daniel Katuashi; Amoako, Emmanuella; Agyare, Elizabeth; Agbeno, Evans K.; Jibril, Aishatu Mohammed; Abdullahi, Asara M.; Amadi, Oma; Umar, Umar Mohammed; Ayele, Birhanu T.; Machekano, Rhoderick N.; Nyasulu, Peter S.; Hermans, Michel P.; Otokoye Otshudiema, John; Nswe, Christian Bongo-Pasi; Kayembe, Jean-Marie N.; Mbala-Kingebeni, Placide; Muyembe-Tamfum, Jean-Jacques; Aanyu, Hellen Tukamuhebwa; Musoke, Philippa; Fowler, Mary Glenn; Sewankambo, Nelson; Suleman, Fatima; Adejumo, Prisca; Mteta, Alfred; Noormahomed, Emilia V.; Deckelbaum, Richard J.; Zumla, Alimuddin; Landu, Don Jethro Mavungu; Tshilolo, Leon; Zigabe, Serge; Goga, Ameena Ebrahim; Mills, Edward J.; Umar, Lawal W.; Kruger, Mariana; Mofenson, Lynne M.; Nachega, Jean B.
Date:
2021-11
Abstract:
Globally, there are prevailing knowledge gaps in the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among children and adolescents; and these gaps are especially wide in African
countries. The availability of robust age-disaggregated data is a critical first step in improving knowledge on disease burden and
manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among children. Furthermore, it is essential to improve understanding of
SARS-CoV-2 interactions with comorbidities and coinfections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, malaria, sickle cell disease, and malnutrition, which are highly prevalent among children in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Forum for
Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth) COVID-19 Research Collaboration on Children and Adolescents is conducting
studies across Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa to address existing knowledge gaps. This consortium is expected to
generate key evidence to inform clinical practice and public health policy-making for COVID-19 while concurrently addressing
other major diseases affecting children in African countries.
