WASTEWATER-BASED EPIDEMIOLOGY (WBE) WBE DATA COMMUNICATION
WHAT IS WASTEWATER-BASED EPIDEMIOLOGY (WBE)? Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), also known as Wastewater surveillance, is the monitoring of pathogens (e.g., viruses), as well as pharmaceuticals and other chemicals by testing wastewater in a sewershed. WBE is a powerful public health tool used to monitor for outbreaks, track trends in the community, identify threats, and, in response, support the mobilization of public health resources to the affected communities. U.S. Government Accountability Office
What are the histories, beliefs, religion, and cultural practices of the communities in which monitoring will be conducted? How can their interests and concerns be acknowledged and addressed?
Who are the appropriate entities, diverse communities, and their spokespersons to engage with. How can a true partnership of equals be created that honors the needs and concerns of all?
HOW TO MONITOR WASTEWATER DATA
Why are we monitoring wastewater and who will benefit from it?
ETHICALLY TO BENEFIT VULNERABLE
Who will have access to the data? Who will be included / excluded in the monitoring given the local infrastructure?
COMMUNITIES: AUTHORS Rolf U. Halden, Erin M. Driver, Rochelle
How will the information be communicated?
Holm, and Otakuye Conroy-Ben, Ph.D.
Can it be delivered in the preferred methods and channels of communication of community members?
Can the information collected potentially lead to marginalization or stigmatization of individuals, groups, or geographic settings?
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