Nandita S. Sugandhi

Dr. Nandita S. Sugandhi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 May 2024 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LTLyson Tenthani
Lyson Tenthani
VSVictoria Seffren
Victoria Seffren
AKAlinune Nathanael Kabaghe
Alinune Nathanael Kabaghe
FOFrancis Ogollah
Francis Ogollah
MSMonica Soko
Monica Soko
JGJulie R. Gutman
Julie R. Gutman
: Many SARS-CoV-2 infections are asymptomatic, thus reported cases underestimate actual cases. To improve estimates, we conducted surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit (ANC1) from June 2021 through May 2022. We administered a questionnaire to collect demographic, risk factors, and COVID-19 vaccine status information and tested dried blood spots for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Although <1% of ANC1 participants reported having had COVID-19, monthly SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased from 15.4% (95% CI: 10.5–21.5) in June 2021 to 65.5% (95% CI: 55.5–73.7) in May 2022. Although COVID-19 vaccination was available in March 2021, uptake remained low, reaching a maximum of 9.5% (95% CI: 5.7–14.8) in May 2022. Results of ANC1 serosurveillance provided prevalence estimates helpful in understanding this population case burden that was available through self-report and national case reports. To improve vaccine uptake, efforts to address fears and misconceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccines are needed.

29 November 2024 in Vaccines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MFMansoor Farahani
Mansoor Farahani
TTTonny Akankunda Tindyebwa
Tonny Akankunda Tindyebwa
NSNandita S. Sugandhi
Nandita S. Sugandhi
KWKirsten Ward
Kirsten Ward
YPYoungjoo Park
Youngjoo Park
LILedor S. Igboh
Ledor S. Igboh
Background: Uganda’s Integrated Child Health Day (ICHD) initiative aims to improve children’s access to vaccinations. Although widely used as a catch-up vaccination strategy, the effectiveness of the ICHD program in increasing immunization coverage, especially among vulnerable populations, has not been recently evaluated. This study assessed the reach and uptake of ICHD for immunizations in Uganda. Methods: A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted in three districts (Rakai, Kayunga, and Bukedea) where ICHDs occurred. The data collection included a cross-sectional household survey using validated WHO-adapted questionnaires of 1432 caregivers of children under five years old, key informant interviews with 42 health managers and workers, and nine focus group discussions with caregivers between October and December 2022. The vaccines assessed were Bacillus Calmette–Guerin, oral polio, Pentavalent, pneumococcal conjugate, rotavirus (RV), and measles-rubella (MR). Results: The immunization coverage based on child health cards was over 90% for all vaccines except for the second dose of RV (88.3%) and MR (16.2%). Among the children, 2.3% had received no Pentavalent vaccine, and 69.4% were fully vaccinated for their age. Of the 631 children who attended ICHDs, 79.4% received at least one vaccine during the event. Village Health Teams (49%), health workers (18.3%), and megaphone outreach (17.9%) were the primary information sources. Key informants cited challenges with coordination, vaccine delivery, and mobilization. Conclusions: Despite operational challenges, ICHDs appear to have contributed to routine childhood vaccinations. Further research is needed to assess the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the program.