Research Project (Ongoing)

Situation Analysis on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using a Seroprevalence Survey in Democratic Republic of Congo

This study is part of a research project called “COVID-19 Study for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Resilient Society.”

This study consists of an antibody test for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an analysis of the results alongside COVID-19 reports from governmental agencies in the country. It aims to (1) assess the COVID-19 situation in not only the capital but also provincial cities, (2) explore the geographical and socio-economic relationship between COVID-19 cases, and (3) investigate COVID-19 cases among healthcare personnel at all levels of health facilities.

Due to the DRC’s insufficient testing systems, it has been highlighted that the reported number of confirmed COVID-19 cases may not accurately reflect the actual situation in the country.

In resource-poor and economically vulnerable countries like the DRC, the proper implementation of strategies for the control of infectious diseases, including optimal non-pharmaceutical intervention, requires that the infection situation throughout the country, both inside and outside the health facilities, be adequately assessed. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the collapse of the healthcare system and maintain essential healthcare services, including maternal and child health. This is particularly true in countries where healthcare service delivery systems are vulnerable due to shortages of healthcare workers.

This study is expected to provide JICA with significant insight into how to support the DRC as well as the other resource-limited developing countries in implementing effective infectious disease control, preventing health facility-acquired infection, and strengthening the healthcare service delivery system.