The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption globally, with countries enforcing border closures and curfews to contain the spread. The impact has been devastating, with millions of deaths worldwide, and Africa, including Kenya, has not been spared. In Kenya, over 5,200 lives have been lost, with 253,661 confirmed cases reported to date. The conventional method of testing—using nasopharyngeal swabs—has posed challenges due to its invasive nature, discouraging mass and voluntary testing. This limitation has hindered efforts to effectively survey the extent of community infection. In response, this research aims to develop alternative testing protocols using samples such as feces, blood, and wastewater to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA, identify related antibodies, and monitor virus RNA degradation in wastewater. These methods will enable better detection and assessment of COVID-19 exposure levels, providing crucial data for epidemiological surveys in the targeted communities. The study is being conducted in Kisumu and Siaya counties, with Kisumu serving as a regional economic hub and trade corridor, and Siaya being the host county where JOOUST is located. The findings from this research will equip health authorities with essential tools for planning, managing, and controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya, the Lake Victoria region, and across Africa.

Dr. Richard Magwanga

Project Members:

Dr. Alfred Ochieng; Dr. Benson Onyango; Dr. Shehu Awandu; Dr. Pamela Were; Dr. Angeline Ochung; Dr. Fredrick Okumu, Dr. Joy Nyangasi; Prof. Regina Nyunja, Dr. Fredrick Ogutu; Dr. Clayton, Dr. Munga

10,000 US dollars, funded by COVID19 African rapid grant fund, managed by NRF south Africa.

1. To profile SARS-COV-2 RNA load in faecal samples

2. To develop a COVID-19 surveillance tool using SARS-COV-2 antibody profiling and wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance

3. To assess the success of the home-based isolation and care system when supported with COVID-19 surveillance data

4. To develop a COVID-19 Geo App surveillance platform for collection and dissemination of the research findings to stakeholders

The major achievements of the project “Towards COVID-19 Containment: Serological, Faecal and Wastewater Epidemiological Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Support of Home-Based Isolation and Care in Kenya” include:

1. Development of Alternative Testing Protocols: Established protocols for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using non-traditional sample types, such as feces, blood, and wastewater. This has provided a less invasive approach compared to nasopharyngeal swabs, encouraging broader testing.

2. Enhanced Community Surveillance: Successfully implemented serological, fecal, and wastewater surveillance methods in Kisumu and Siaya counties to assess COVID-19 exposure levels, offering valuable epidemiological data for monitoring the spread of the virus.

3. Support for Home-Based Isolation and Care: The research has provided insights and tools to improve the management of home-based isolation and care programs in Kenya by identifying levels of viral presence and potential hotspots in the community.

4. Regional Collaboration and Impact: The project has strengthened COVID-19 containment efforts not only within Kenya but also in the broader Lake Victoria region, with implications for regional public health planning and cross-border cooperation.

5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Trained local health personnel on new surveillance techniques and engaged community stakeholders, thereby enhancing local capacity for ongoing disease monitoring and response.