What if wastewater could help detect the next disease outbreak before it spreads, or reveal hidden threats to our ecosytems, rivers and oceans?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), through the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative for Africa, is organising a three-day workshop bringing together government representatives, public health authorities, environmental agencies, researchers, transport hub operators and international partners from across Africa, as well as experts from Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Through real-world case studies, interactive discussions and practical knowledge exchange, participants will explore how wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) at airports, seaports and surrounding urban areas can strengthen early warning systems, improve pandemic preparedness, monitor antimicrobial resistance and pollution, protect ecosystems, and support integrated source-to-sea management.
Supported by the European Union Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), the event will showcase innovative approaches, share lessons learned from across Africa and beyond, and help countries identify practical pathways to establish or strengthen WES programmes. Participants will also contribute to the development of UNEP's Compendium of Lessons Learned on Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance at Airports and Ports in Africa, helping shape a valuable regional resource for future implementation.
