Periodic Reporting for period 4 - CORESMA (COVID-19-Outbreak Response combining E-health, Serolomics, Modelling, Artificial Intelligence and Implementation Research)
Période du rapport: 2023-07-01 au 2023-12-31
Throughout the project, specific objectives have been pursued with determination and adaptability. In WP1, the implementation of eHealth approaches, particularly through the piloting of the SORMAS COVID-19 module in Côte d'Ivoire and Nepal, has enabled real-time data capture and facilitated risk assessment and targeted interventions. Despite challenges such as pandemic-induced disruptions and logistical hurdles, significant progress has been made in both countries, showcasing the potential of innovative approaches in disease surveillance and management.
In WP2, the project successfully established and scaled up multiplex serolomics assays to measure pre-existing immunity against COVID-19 in Germany and enables estimation of seroprevalence in Nepal. While analysis of Nepalese samples faced setbacks, the completion of the German sample analysis represents a significant milestone in understanding population susceptibility.
WP3 focused on enhancing objectives through respondent-driven sampling, comprehensive modeling, and artificial intelligence. While delays in data availability posed challenges, the project has made strides in developing modeling approaches to increase intervention efficiency.
Finally, WP4 aimed to improve the effectiveness of containment measures in Côte d'Ivoire and Nepal through field implementation research. Despite unforeseen delays, efforts to reduce the societal burden of the pandemic have been ongoing, highlighting the project's commitment to practical and impactful interventions.
In summary, the CORESMA project has made significant contributions to the understanding of COVID-19 dynamics and has laid the groundwork for future preparedness and response efforts. Through collaboration, innovation, and perseverance, the project has advanced public health objectives on both local and global scales, marking a crucial step forward in pandemic management and infectious disease control.
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.