Open Letter for the Continuation of Wastewater Monitoring (AMELAG)
Please sign this petition to ensure funding for the follow-up project of wastewater monitoring (“AMELAG”) in Germany.
See here for the original German letter.
Subject: Please support the continuation of AMELAG – protect health, secure data
Dear Mr. Lauterbach,
We are writing to you to express our deep concern about the planned discontinuation of funding for the AMELAG wastewater monitoring program. This program is an indispensable tool for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens and makes a crucial contribution to public health and safety in Germany.
The systematic analysis of wastewater samples makes it possible to identify infection events at an early stage and track trends at a municipal and national level. Wastewater monitoring provides a realistic and comprehensive picture of the epidemiological situation, especially in times of rapidly decreasing individual testing.
The data obtained through AMELAG helps many informed and vulnerable people to better adapt to the “COVID weather” and the general situation regarding infectious diseases. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions and make their daily activities safer. For example, they can better assess when it is safe to visit doctor’s offices for routine check-ups or attend community events.
At an institutional level, this data supports preventive measures. As COVID-19 is present all year round, continuous protective measures such as wearing masks in healthcare settings and improving indoor air quality are essential. Without the information from wastewater monitoring, we lose an important early warning system that helps us to respond appropriately to current and future health threats.
In addition, wastewater monitoring offers the opportunity to detect outbreaks of other infectious diseases such as influenza, noroviruses and RSV at an early stage. In the face of climate change and globalization, a modern, comprehensive monitoring system is essential to effectively protect our population.
We would like to emphasize that the continuation of AMELAG is not only in the interest of vulnerable population groups, but benefits society as a whole. It enables transparent and data-based decision-making that benefits science, politics and the population alike.
We therefore urge you to advocate for an extension of AMELAG funding beyond 2024 in the budget negotiations. Do not leave us without this important health monitoring tool. Your support can help protect lives and preserve the health of our community.
Thank you for your attention. We hope for your positive support in this important matter.
With kind regards,
World Health Network
