Why wastewater-based epidemiology must tackle noncommunicable diseases

Abstract

The global wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) landscape has primarily concentrated on high-profile diseases, creating a narrow scope of application. However, there's a significant and significant untapped potential in using WBE to address chronic and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in developing nations. NCDs, including heart disease and diabetes, now significantly impact low- and middle-income nations, straining their healthcare systems and economies. WBE offers a cost-effective, real-time health monitoring solution and presents a real opportunity for change in global research policy focus to hone into these diseases. By prioritizing research on the detection of chronic illness health markers in wastewater, WBE has the potential to provide accurate community-level health data and guide equitable resource allocation, addressing both high-profile infectious diseases and NCDs simultaneously. However, the potential of WBE in addressing NCDs remains largely untapped by the research community. Effective implementation requires the development of standardized methodologies, effective ethical frameworks, and robust international cooperation. This approach is essential to address the silent epidemic of NCDs effectively and ensure that developing nations are equipped with the tools necessary for sustainable healthcare management and evidence-based policymaking.

Keywords: Wastewater-based epidemiological monitoring; chronic diseases; commentary; developing countries; healthcare disparities; noncommunicable diseases.