Effects of COVID-19 during pregnancy on child growth and development in malaria-prone areas

Impact of gestational SARS-CoV-2 and maternal inflammation on child growth and neurodevelopment in a malaria-endemic setting

NIH-funded research Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11009494

This study is looking at how COVID-19 and inflammation during pregnancy might affect the growth and brain development of babies born to mothers in Uganda who also had malaria, so we can better understand the long-term effects on these children as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11009494 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how maternal COVID-19 infection and inflammation during pregnancy affect the growth and neurodevelopment of children in regions where malaria is common. By analyzing data and samples from mother-infant pairs involved in ongoing trials in Uganda, the study aims to understand the long-term impacts of gestational COVID-19 on infants. The research will focus on infants born to mothers who experienced COVID-19 and malaria during pregnancy, assessing their growth and development up to four years of age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions who may be exposed to COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in non-malaria endemic areas may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for children affected by maternal COVID-19 and malaria, enhancing their growth and developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown significant impacts of maternal infections on child development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.