Preparing public health systems for the quantum revolution: Challenges and opportunities

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a transformative tool for monitoringcommunity health by analyzing biological and chemical markers in sewage. This approach provides a non-invasive, cost-effective, and near real-time means to assess public health trends, including the spread of infectious diseases, drug consumption patterns, and antimicrobial resistance. This mini-review outlines the core principles and methodologies of WBE, such as sample collection strategies, biomarker selection, and analytical techniques like quantitative PCR (qPCR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Key public health applications are discussed, with emphasis on WBE’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in monitoring opioids and AMR genes. Case studies from global WBE initiatives demonstrate the utility of this approach in informing timely policy decisions and community-level responses. Despite its promise, WBE faces challenges related to data standardization, ethical concerns, and infrastructure limitations. Looking ahead, the integration of WBE with digital health tools and AI presents significant opportunities for advancing global disease surveillance and strengthening future public health systems.