LoCOVID

The LoCovid project (Long COVID Guidelines for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease) is a multi-phase, multi-country study aimed at addressing the intersection of long COVID and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As long COVID emerges as a major global health concern, especially among individuals with existing or COVID-induced heart conditions, the study seeks to inform the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines and implementation strategies. Conducted in India, Nigeria, Uganda, and Singapore, the project includes a systematic review of current guidelines, a mixed-methods study exploring barriers and facilitators to implementation, and a global consensus process involving policymakers, clinicians, and patients. The final output will be a position statement offering practical recommendations for managing long COVID in individuals with CVD. LoCovid responds to the urgent need for integrated care approaches in the face of overlapping chronic disease burdens and aims to influence policy and practice across low-, middle-, and high-income settings.

As Co-Principal Investigator of the LoCovid project, we play a central role in leading and coordinating the study across all phases. This includes co-developing the research protocol, co-leading ethical submissions, and providing scientific oversight for the systematic review and mixed-methods components. Our team is responsible for coordinating data collection in Nigeria, Uganda, India and Singapore, supporting instrument design, and managing REDCap deployment for the survey. We lead data analysis for the Nigerian site, contribute to cross-country comparisons, and co-develop the position statement and dissemination outputs. As Co-PI, we ensure robust local engagement, scientific integrity, and that the study delivers policy-relevant outcomes for long COVID care in CVD patients.