Monitoring of wastewater can help identify disease outbreak trends: Experts
Published: 12 Jun 2024
QEERI, Health Ministry host workshop on wastewater-based surveillance
QNA
DOHA: By monitoring wastewater, we can proactively identify disease outbreak trends and take prevention measures effectively, and gain valuable insights into disease transmission dynamics, complementing traditional public health surveillance methods,
This was stated at a workshop titled ‘Wastewater-based Surveillance: One-Health Approach and National Impact’ hosted by Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
Monitoring wastewater for pathogens like COVID-19, polio, influenza, monkeypox and norovirus, among others, offers significant value in detecting diseases within communities even before clinical cases are reported. This proactive approach provides vital information for informed public health decision-making and measures, experts said.
The event brought together leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders from the public health and environmental sustainability sectors including the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Airways, Hamad Medical Corporation, Naufar Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, and Ginko Bioworks.
Participants explored the transformative potential of wastewater monitoring in disease surveillance and community health assessment. They also engaged in discussions and workshops focused on cutting-edge methodologies and case studies, unveiling the power of wastewater-based epidemiology in tracking disease outbreaks, identifying emerging pathogens, and assessing community health dynamics.
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has emerged as a vital tool in global public health efforts.
“Wastewater-based surveillance is a valuable tool for public health and environmental sustainability, offering a unique perspective on community health trends and disease patterns,” said Dr. Tareq Al Ansari, Acting Executive Director of QEERI.
Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is a national research institute tasked with supporting Qatar in addressing its grand challenges related to energy, water, and environment.
