Strengthening wastewater management to improve the environment and public health in Africa

Innovative wastewater management, an often-overlooked aspect of public and environmental health, could reduce pollution, prevent disease outbreaks and contribute to socio-economic development in Africa.

This was stressed during a stakeholder workshop held on 26–27 February 2025 to discuss strengthening the capacity for sustainable wastewater surveillance and improvement of wastewater management across the continent.

The workshop, held at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) campus in Nairobi, was part of the Wastewater Surveillance for Africa initiative which is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by European Union Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority.

The event brought together government representatives from Kenya, research institutions, biotech companies, transport companies, and development partners.

Photo: Wastewater ready for pumping into a biogas digester (ILRI/Albert Mwangi)