In WP1, the primary aim was to gather and furnish real-time data on the spread, transmission, and clinical aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Côte d’Ivoire and Nepal using SORMAS. This mobile eHealth system facilitates disease control, outbreak management, surveillance, and epidemiological analysis across all levels of health administrations. The results demonstrated the continued importance of contact tracing in pandemic response, even post-vaccination. The implementation of SORMAS aided public health authorities in Côte d’Ivoire in identifying and monitoring contacts, leading to the interruption of transmission chains. While delays in implementing SORMAS in Nepal impacted data collection in some provinces, analysis primarily relied on data from Gandaki province.
In WP2, the development of the MULTICOV-AB and RBDCoV-ACE2 multiplex seroassays has yielded significant results. These assays have been used in various studies and provide valuable insights into vaccine-induced immunity and pandemic dynamics. Continued adaptation of the assays to include variant-specific antigens, including those from emerging variants such as Omicron, has been essential.
In WP3, our main objective was to assess the effectiveness of social distancing measures in controlling the pandemic. We published various modeling approaches and strategies, providing recommendations for political decision-makers. This included analyzing the impact of delays on the effectiveness of contact tracing strategies for COVID-19 and identifying key questions for modeling. Additionally, we utilized machine learning algorithms to study the clinical expression of biomarkers across different disease states and to identify predictors for criticality in both healthy and comorbid cohorts.
In WP4, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive revision of the analysis of containment measures and the deployment of SORMAS, addressing feedback received on previous versions. The analysis compared pre- and post-SORMAS implementation pandemic containment measures in Côte d'Ivoire and Nepal. The review highlighted good practices in COVID-19 containment, emphasizing vaccination, testing, clear communication, community engagement, and international cooperation in both countries. We also published results on the acceptability of SORMAS in Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating high acceptance as a surveillance system. In Nepal, despite delays, a report summarizing baseline results indicated positive opinions regarding SORMAS. Additionally, a sub-study on surveillance systems in Côte d’Ivoire revealed insights into system usage and user perceptions, contributing to the understanding of digital surveillance feasibility and its potential to enhance public health interventions.
In WP5, numerous Project Advisory Board (PAB) and Scientific Steering Committee meetings were successfully conducted, along with two workshops hosted at the HZI in Braunschweig, Germany. All project publications are immediately shared on the project website (www.coresma.eu) which is consistently updated.
In WP6, adherence to ethical requirements was confirmed through a report provided by our external ethics advisor, ensuring compliance with ethical standards throughout the project.
