Initiative: Academic Insight into Action for Pandemic Response
Institution: Chulalongkorn University
Overview: Through this initiative, Chulalongkorn University, working in collaboration with various government departments, put in place a new system for early detection of disease outbreaks, based on the analysis of wastewater. This innovation offers a paradigm shift in disease outbreak monitoring in Thailand. By analyzing wastewater, the initiative resulted in a cost-effective early warning system that can track the spread of diseases, such as COVID-19, and detect emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants. This approach allows for quicker identification of potential hotspots, facilitating strategic resource allocation and timely public health interventions. The methodology provides actionable insights for policymakers, enabling more informed and nimble disease control strategies. It sets a new standard in epidemic disease management, fostering quicker discoveries and broader data collection. The approach has revealed valuable epidemiological data on the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a potent tool for infectious disease response. By bridging academic findings with practical public health measures, the method “has the potential to revolutionize disease surveillance and strengthen the collaboration between research and public health endeavors”.
Impact: Through close collaboration with governmental agencies and the private sector, the university has successfully established and implemented wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) methods and protocols for disease surveillance. This system is now operational in numerous disease-prone areas across Thailand. The Department of Environmental Health leverages insights from WBE to make informed decisions on disease control, such as targeting high-risk groups for screening, improving hygiene standards in markets, and determining optimal times for reopening markets after outbreaks. This approach has empowered decision-makers to use data-driven, scientific insights effectively. The sewerage system model is designed to be universally adaptable. Originally developed for SARS-CoV-2, it has since been applied to monitor diseases like gastroenteritis, influenza, dengue, and monkeypox. This versatility ensures the model remains relevant and effective for various health priorities and facilitates efficient resource allocation. While implementation in different settings might require expert consultation or pilot studies for optimal adaptation, the core adaptability of wastewater-based epidemiology ensures its continued relevance across diverse disease contexts.
Website: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/
https://www.chula.ac.th/news/103731