Electronic versions

Documents

DOI

  • M. Tlhagale
    Water Research Commission, Pretoria
  • S. Liphadzi
    Water Research Commission, Pretoria
  • J. Bhagwan
    Water Research Commission, Pretoria
  • V Naidoo
    Water Research Commission, Pretoria
  • K. Jonas
    Water Research Commission, Pretoria
  • L. van Vuuren
    Water Research Commission, Pretoria
  • G. Medema
    KWR Water Research Institute
  • L. Andrews
    KWR Water Research Institute
  • F. Been
    KWR Water Research Institute
  • M. L. Ferreira
    KWR Water Research Institute
  • A. M. Saatci
    Turkish Water Institute (SUEN)
  • B. Alpaslan Kocamemi
  • F. Hassard
    University of Johannesburg
  • A. C. Singer
    Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford
  • J. T. Bunce
    United Kingdom Health Security Agency
  • J. M. S. Grimsley
    United Kingdom Health Security Agency
  • Martin Brown
    Newcastle University
  • D. L. Jones
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 340 million infection cases (as of 21 January 2022) and more than 5.57 million deaths globally. In reaction, science, technology and innovation communities across the globe have organised themselves to contribute to national responses to COVID-19 disease. A significant contribution has been from the establishment of wastewater-based epidemiological (WBE) surveillance interventions and programmes for monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in at least 55 countries. Here, we examine and share experiences and lessons learnt in establishing such surveillance programmes. We use case studies to highlight testing methods and logistics considerations associated in scaling the implementing of such programmes in South Africa, the Netherlands, Turkey and England. The four countries were selected to represent different regions of the world and the perspective based on the considerable progress made in establishing and implementing their national WBE programmes. The selected countries also represent different climatic zones, economies, and development stages, which influence the implementation of national programmes of this nature and magnitude. In addition, the four countries' programmes offer good experiences and lessons learnt since they are systematic, and cover extensive areas, disseminate knowledge locally and internationally and partnered with authorities (government). The programmes also strengthened working relations and partnerships between and among local and global organisations. This paper shares these experiences and lessons to encourage others in the water and public health sectors on the benefits and value of WBE in tackling SARS-CoV-2 and related future circumstances.

Keywords

  • COVID-19, public health surveillance, SARS-CoV-2, sewage surveillance, wastewater-based epidemiology, wastewater surveillance
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)287-299
JournalJournal of Water and Health
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2022

Total downloads

No data available
View graph of relations