Project description

By monitoring wastewater, pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 can be detected cost-effectively, quickly and reliably and data on the spread of pathogens can be obtained. Wastewater monitoring can also be used for prevention or early warning purposes. The data can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken to contain the transmission of the virus. It is also conceivable that the EU-wide monitoring system could be used to monitor other pathogens of concern or threats posed by harmful pollutants.

With the HERA Incubator, the European Union has developed a plan for the prevention of biological hazards. This includes a proposal for immediate measures to prepare Europe for the increasing threat of SARS-CoV-2 variants. One of the areas of action that the HERA Incubator is focussing on is the rapid detection of current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in EU wastewater. The action programme is implemented by the authorities, health institutes and laboratories of the Member States and deals with public health and environmental monitoring.

The main objective of EU-WISH is to expand the support programmes under the HERA incubator to improve the detection and identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In addition, knowledge sharing will be strengthened and best practices will be reviewed and shared. Suitable strategies for wastewater monitoring (priority pathogens, sampling and evaluation of results, sampling at airports/aircraft) and technical procedures (improving the comparability of data) will be defined. In addition, the aim is to link wastewater monitoring with other monitoring systems with a clear public health perspective.

EU-WISH will significantly increase surveillance capacities at national and EU level for (pandemic) preparedness and control of infectious diseases and AMR (antimicrobial resistance) and chemical substances.

Interim results

A survey conducted by the project consortium on wastewater monitoring activities at European level in the 26 partner countries revealed that financing is the biggest challenge when introducing wastewater monitoring systems. More than 70% of the participating countries do not currently have a legal framework or regulations for the operation and implementation of national wastewater monitoring programmes. Despite these financial and administrative constraints, active wastewater surveillance programmes for respiratory viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2, but also influenza and other respiratory viruses, polio and other enteroviruses, antibiotic resistance, emerging pathogens, illicit drugs, chemicals and health-related biomarkers were reported by survey participants. Plans to introduce new or additional operational wastewater monitoring systems were also reported.

Details of the survey

Benefits of the project

The project contributes to strengthening coordination and cooperation in the field of health security and creating a sustainable framework for wastewater monitoring at EU level and beyond.