Wangari Ng’ang’a
A5063036208- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- COVID-19 and healthcare impacts
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- Immune responses and vaccinations
- Global Maternal and Child Health
- COVID-19 diagnosis using AI
- Healthcare Systems and Reforms
- COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts
- Hepatitis C virus research
- Global Health Care Issues
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
- Blood groups and transfusion
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- Energy and Environment Impacts
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Healthcare Policy and Management
- Primary Care and Health Outcomes
- Biotechnology and Related Fields
- Microbial infections and disease research
Gates Foundation
2024-2025
Government of Kenya
2020-2024
Kenya School of Government
2020-2024
Pandemic progress in Kenya By the end of July 2020, had reported only 341 deaths and ∼20,000 cases COVID-19. This is marked contrast to tens thousands many higher-income countries. The true extent COVID-19 community was unknown likely be higher than reports indicated. Uyoga et al. found an overall seroprevalence among blood donors 4.3%, peaking 35- 44-year-old individuals (see Perspective by Maeda Nkengasong). low mortality can partly explained steep demographics Kenya, where less 4%...
Policy decisions on COVID-19 interventions should be informed by a local, regional and national understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Epidemic waves may result when restrictions are lifted or poorly adhered to, variants with new phenotypic properties successfully invade, infection spreads to susceptible subpopulations. Three epidemic have been observed in Kenya. Using mechanistic mathematical model, we explain the first two distinct...
Observed SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths are low in tropical Africa raising questions about the extent of transmission. We measured IgG by ELISA 9,922 blood donors across Kenya adjusted for sampling bias test performance. By 1st September 2020, 577 COVID-19 were observed nationwide seroprevalence was 9.1% (95%CI 7.6-10.8%). Seroprevalence Nairobi 22.7% (18.0-27.7%). Although most people remained susceptible, had spread widely with apparently associated mortality.
We estimated unit costs for COVID-19 case management patients with asymptomatic, mild-to-moderate, severe and critical disease in Kenya.We per-day of patients. used a bottom-up approach to estimate full economic adopted health system perspective patient episode care as our time horizon. obtained data on inputs their quantities from provided by three public treatment hospitals Kenya augmented this guidelines. input prices recent costing survey 20 market Kenya.Per-day, per-patient asymptomatic...
Abstract Background Few studies have assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Africa. We report findings from a survey HCWs 3 counties Kenya. Methods recruited 684 Kilifi (rural), Busia and Nairobi (urban) counties. The serosurvey was conducted between 30 July 4 December 2020. tested for immunoglobulin G to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Assay...
Abstract Background There are no data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Africa though the COVID-19 epidemic curve and reported mortality differ from patterns seen elsewhere. We estimated anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence among blood donors Kenya. Methods measured spike IgG by ELISA residual donor samples obtained between April 30 June 16, 2020. Assay sensitivity specificity were 83% (95% CI 59-96%) 99.0% 98.1-99.5%), respectively. National was using Bayesian multilevel regression...
A few studies have assessed the epidemiological impact and cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in settings where most population had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Introduction The high proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections that have remained undetected presents a challenge to tracking the progress pandemic and estimating extent population immunity. Methods We used residual blood samples from women attending antenatal care services at three hospitals in Kenya between August 2020 October 2021and validated IgG ELISA for SARS-Cov-2 spike protein adjusted results assay sensitivity specificity. fitted two-component mixture model as an alternative threshold...
We sought to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence within representative samples of the Kenyan population during third year COVID-19 pandemic and second vaccine use.
In this commentary, two members of the technical teams that led Kenyan health reforms reflect on progress made in country's journey toward universal coverage during President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term (2017 to 2022). The authors discuss how key decisions were while balancing multiple considerations such as: maintaining fidelity achieve objectives, accounting for context previous reforms, and making necessary trade-offs between political pressures. They share three lessons, contextualized...
Abstract The high proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections that remain undetected presents a challenge to tracking the progress pandemic and implementing control measures in Kenya. We determined prevalence IgG residual blood samples from mothers attending antenatal care services at 2 referral hospitals used validated ELISA for SARS-Cov-2 spike protein adjusted results assay sensitivity specificity. In Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, seroprevalence August 2020 was 49.9% (95% CI 42.7-58.0)....
Abstract Policy makers in Africa need robust estimates of the current and future spread SARS-CoV-2. Data suitable for this purpose are scant. We used national surveillance PCR test, serological survey mobility data to develop fit a county-specific transmission model Kenya. estimate that SARS-CoV-2 pandemic peaked before end July 2020 major urban counties, with 34 - 41% residents infected, will peak elsewhere country within 2-3 months. Despite penetration, reported severe cases deaths low....
Most of the studies that have informed public health response to COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya relied on samples are not representative general population. We conducted population-based serosurveys at three Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSSs) determine cumulative incidence infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Abstract The mortality impact of COVID-19 in Africa remains controversial because most countries lack vital registration. We analysed excess Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Kenya, using 9 years baseline data. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies suggest adults here were infected before May 2022. During 5 waves (April 2020-May 2022) an overall 4.8% (95% PI 1.2%, 9.4%) concealed a significant (11.6%, 95% 5.9%, 18.9%) among older ( ≥ 65 years) deficit children aged 1–14 (−7.7%,...
<ns4:p>Policymakers in Africa need robust estimates of the current and future spread SARS-CoV-2. We used national surveillance PCR test, serological survey mobility data to develop fit a county-specific transmission model for Kenya up end September 2020, which encompasses first wave SARS-CoV-2 country. estimate that pandemic peaked before July 2020 major urban counties, with 30-50% residents infected. Our analysis suggests, first, reported low COVID-19 disease burden cannot be explained...
Abstract In October 2020, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among truck drivers and their assistants (TDA) in Kenya was 42.3%, higher than other key populations. TDA transport essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing them at increased risk of being infected transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection over a wide geographical area.
In October 2020, anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Abstract Observed SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths are low in tropical Africa raising questions about the extent of transmission. We measured IgG by ELISA 9,922 blood donors across Kenya adjusted for sampling bias test performance. By 1st September 2020, 577 COVID-19 were observed nationwide seroprevalence was 9.1% (95%CI 7.6-10.8%). Seroprevalence Nairobi 22.7% (18.0-27.7%). Although most people remained susceptible, had spread widely with apparently associated mortality.
Abstract Background Up-to-date SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence estimates are important for informing public health planning, including priorities Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs. We sought to estimate infection- and vaccination-induced within representative samples of the Kenyan population approximately two years into COVID-19 pandemic one year after rollout national program. Methods conducted cross-sectional serosurveys random, age-stratified Kilifi Health...
ABSTRACT Background Few studies have assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among Health Care Workers (HCWs) in Africa. We report findings from a survey HCWs three counties Kenya. Methods recruited 684 Kilifi (rural), Busia (rural) and Nairobi (urban) counties. The serosurvey was conducted between 30 th July 2020 4 December 2020. tested for IgG to spike protein using ELISA. Assay sensitivity specificity were 93% (95% CI 88-96%) 99% 98-99.5%), respectively. adjusted...
Abstract Policy decisions on COVID-19 interventions should be informed by a local, regional and national understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Epidemic waves may result when restrictions are lifted or poorly adhered to, variants with new phenotypic properties successfully invade, infection spreads to susceptible sub-populations. Three epidemic have been observed in Kenya. Using mechanistic mathematical model we explain the first two distinct differences contact rates high low...
ABSTRACT Background There is uncertainty about the mortality impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Africa because poor ascertainment cases and limited national civil vital registration. We analysed excess from 1 st January 2020-5 th May 2022 a Health Demographic Surveillance Study Coastal Kenya where SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence reached 75% among adults March despite vaccine uptake only 17%. Methods modelled expected 2020-2022 population 306,000 baseline surveillance data between 2010-2019. calculated...
Background Low-income and middle-income countries, including Kenya, are pursuing universal health coverage (UHC) through the establishment of Social Health Insurance programmes. As Kenya rolls out recently unveiled UHC strategy that includes a national indigent cover programme, goal this study is to evaluate impact insurance subsidy on poor households’ healthcare costs utilisation. We will also assess effectiveness equity in beneficiary identification approach employed. Methodology analysis...
ABSTRACT Background The impact of COVID-19 on all-cause mortality in sub-Saharan Africa remains unknown. Methods We monitored among 306,000 residents Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Kenya, through four waves from April 2020-September 2021. calculated expected deaths using negative binomial regression fitted to baseline data (2010-2019) excess as observed-minus-expected deaths. excluded infancy because under-ascertainment births during lockdown. In February 2021, after two...