Wastewater surveillance is increasingly discussed as a potential tool to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the population level. By analysing wastewater, it may be possible to detect resistant pathogens circulating in communities, identify trends, and complement traditional clinical surveillance systems.
In many African settings, where laboratory capacity and reporting systems can vary, wastewater monitoring is being explored as a possible complementary approach within a broader One Health framework linking human, animal, and environmental health. However, important technical, ethical, governance, and operational questions remain.
This webinar provided a platform to explore real-life examples on AMR surveillance through WES:
- The scientific basis of wastewater surveillance for AMR
- Potential benefits and limitations in African contexts
- Data interpretation and policy implications
- Infrastructure, capacity, and governance considerations
The session aimed to foster informed dialogue among policymakers, researchers, public health experts, and environmental stakeholders. It did not constitute endorsement of a specific methodology, but rather examined the evidence, opportunities, and challenges associated with this emerging field.
The webinar is the fourth one and is part of a broader capacity-building series led by UNEP and partners under the Wastewater Surveillance for Africa Initiative. The series is designed to share practical experiences, foster cross-sector learning, and identify actionable pathways toward a unified, resilient framework for wastewater and environmental surveillance on the continent.
Watch the webinars here:
