COVID Transmission and Morbidity in Malawi

The COVID-19 epidemic appears to have been less severe in much of sub-Saharan Africa (including Malawi) than in many other areas of the world. Dr. Guenther and partners are researching whether malaria or other parasitic diseases endemic to Malawi are playing a role in less severe illness from COVID-19 or if they are affecting the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Guenther has been involved in this study since early on in its development, and has been able to provide significant input in clinical aspects of pediatrics and COVID-19 from lessons learned at Boston Children's. Dr. Guenther traveled to Malawi to meet with local partners, establish the research sites, and train the study staff who will be working in the field. The team is hoping to provide insight into the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in a part of the world that is underrepresented in medical research, and are also working with local partners to increase local Infectious Diseases research capacity.