The National Covid-19 Antibody Survey (NCAS) is underway in all nine provinces and expects to reach 19 000 South Africans, in 400 communities once completed.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and research partners, Epicentre, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the National Health Laboratory Service, and the South African Medical Research Council, began the NCAS in November and it will end later this month. 

The survey, funded by the Solidarity Fund and the HSRC, aims to understand and generate a national estimate of what proportion of South Africans may have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including those who may have been infected without knowing either owing to being asymptomatic, having mild symptoms, or not being able to access testing facilities.  

The survey is supported by the National Department of Health and the research team confirms that the survey is being conducted in full compliance with national Covid-19 safety protocols.

The HSRC explained that although participation is entirely voluntary, it is important that as many citizens as possible  participate so that the data that is generated is accurate and representative.

It added that the data will inform the country’s response to Covid-19 to ensure lives and livelihoods are protected.

“The NCAS study team will be asking 6 030 randomly sampled households to participate in the survey by sharing their experiences about the pandemic and to provide blood samples. By analysing the behavioural data and blood samples, the research team will be able to better understand the risk factors associated with the virus,” the HSRC explained and urged citizens to continue to diligently implement Covid-19 safety protocols.  

It said while the vaccination programme gets underway, non-pharmaceutical and behavioural Covid-19 safety protocols must be practiced.