This paper highlights the urgent need for a global wastewater surveillance consortium to enhance pandemic preparedness. The authors argue that wastewater surveillance, a cost-effective method for detecting and tracking pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, should be integrated into international frameworks like the WHO's International Health Regulations. The paper cites examples of successful wastewater surveillance programs and proposes a collaborative consortium to share data, protocols, and support lower-income countries in establishing their own programs.
