The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) will host a regional workshop in Dakar, Senegal from 21–23 January 2026, focused on strengthening wastewater surveillance systems across West and Central Africa.
Bringing together government leaders and key stakeholders from across the region, the workshop will serve as a platform for information exchange, shared learning, and dialogue. It will explore how wastewater surveillance can support public health, environmental protection, and ecosystem sustainability. Participants will exchange knowledge, share best practices, and build capacity to establish and scale up wastewater surveillance programmes within national frameworks. By strengthening the capacity of Member States, the workshop aims to equip participants with the tools and expertise needed to develop and enhance effective wastewater surveillance systems.
In July 2024, UNEP and UNU-INWEH launched the “Wastewater Surveillance for Africa (WWS)” initiative, with support from the European Union Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The initiative aims to strengthen wastewater and environmental surveillance systems across the continent to enhance public health protection, environmental sustainability, and pandemic preparedness through evidence-based decision-making and cross-sectoral collaboration. Building on lessons from successful workshops in Southern and Eastern Africa, and most recently in North Africa, the West and Central Africa workshop will highlight regional innovation, practical approaches to overcoming local constraints, and the importance of data sharing and literacy in scaling up wastewater surveillance across the continent.
The workshop is generously supported by the European Union Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).
To read more about the project here: Strengthening North Africa’s Capacity for Wastewater Surveillance and Public Health Protection | United Nations University.