Bridging the gap between research and decision making: A European survey to enhance cooperation in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for illicit drugs
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Baz-Lomba, Jose Antonio
van Nuijs, AlexanderL N
Lenart-Boroń, Anna
Péterfi, Anna
de l’Eprevier, Anne
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objectives
Illicit drug use presents a significant challenge to global health and public safety, requiring innovative and effective monitoring strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the current landscape of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for monitoring illicit drugs in Europe, focusing on collaboration, current practices, and barriers, while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Study design
Cross-sectional survey-based study.
Methods
Coordinated by the Sewage Analysis CORe Group Europe (SCORE) and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), two surveys were conducted in 2023 targeting researchers and stakeholders using WBE for illicit drugs. Data were analysed to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improving WBE implementation.
Results
The findings indicate a robust research infrastructure and diverse analytical methods among European institutions. Two-thirds of the participating countries reported using WBE data to inform policy. However, challenges persist, particularly in securing funding and coordination, as well as generating national estimates from multiple locations and addressing specific local policy needs.
Conclusions
WBE has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring illicit drug trends and informing drug policies. To unlock its full potential, sustained funding, methodological standardization, and enhanced cooperation are essential. This study provides critical insights into the European WBE landscape, offering a roadmap for strengthening the integration of actionable WBE data into public health and policy frameworks.
Illicit drug use presents a significant challenge to global health and public safety, requiring innovative and effective monitoring strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the current landscape of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for monitoring illicit drugs in Europe, focusing on collaboration, current practices, and barriers, while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Study design
Cross-sectional survey-based study.
Methods
Coordinated by the Sewage Analysis CORe Group Europe (SCORE) and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), two surveys were conducted in 2023 targeting researchers and stakeholders using WBE for illicit drugs. Data were analysed to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improving WBE implementation.
Results
The findings indicate a robust research infrastructure and diverse analytical methods among European institutions. Two-thirds of the participating countries reported using WBE data to inform policy. However, challenges persist, particularly in securing funding and coordination, as well as generating national estimates from multiple locations and addressing specific local policy needs.
Conclusions
WBE has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring illicit drug trends and informing drug policies. To unlock its full potential, sustained funding, methodological standardization, and enhanced cooperation are essential. This study provides critical insights into the European WBE landscape, offering a roadmap for strengthening the integration of actionable WBE data into public health and policy frameworks.
Date Issued
2025-04-01
Date Acceptance
2025-02-10
Citation
Public Health, 2025, 241, pp.158-163
ISSN
0033-3506
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Start Page
158
End Page
163
Journal / Book Title
Public Health
Volume
241
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Royal Society for Public Health. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40014941
PII: S0033-3506(25)00076-9
Subjects
Cooperation
Europe
Illicit drugs
New psychoactive substances
Policy
Public health
Wastewater-based Epidemiology
Illicit Drugs
Europe
Humans
Cross-Sectional Studies
Wastewater
Surveys and Questionnaires
Decision Making
Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring
Substance-Related Disorders
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Netherlands
Date Publish Online
2025-02-27