October 2026 – October 2028
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes access to safe drinking water as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health. Nevertheless, contaminated water remains a major global health threat, causing over 1.2 million deaths annually due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene. Waterborne pathogens – including bacteria and protozoa – cause diseases such as cholera, gastroenteritis, typhoid fever and shigellosis. Current pathogen detection relies on laboratory-based culture or molecular methods, limiting monitoring frequency and delaying results. To address this gap, the project aims to develop a rapid, field-deployable diagnostic kit through the use of environmental DNA (eDNA). Case studies in Kenya and Guatemala – regions with limited water treatment infrastructure – will demonstrate feasibility. By enabling near real-time, on-site pathogen detection without specialized training, this technology aims to democratise water quality monitoring, inform policy decisions and reduce health risks in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Photo: Martina Lüthi
