Fiona Begins PhD Study on Wastewater Surveillance for Public Health
The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is pleased to share that Fiona, one of our dedicated epidemiologists, has begun her PhD in Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research will explore how combining epidemiological data with spatial analysis and social determinants of health can help us better understand the role of wastewater surveillance in tracking vaccine-preventable diseases.
Fiona’s study will examine both sewered and unsewered communities in South Africa, considering vaccination coverage rates and the potential risks posed by disease importation. By analysing pathogen concentration in wastewater, her work will provide insights into how microorganisms may enter communities, spread among susceptible individuals, and affect vulnerable groups, particularly those with limited access to health care.
In addition to monitoring disease transmission, the study will examine factors that influence community health, such as access to healthcare and living conditions. By integrating vaccine coverage data and spatial modelling, Fiona aims to better understand which populations are most at risk and how diseases spread within the population. The research will focus on key indicators, including pathogen concentration in wastewater, disease burden, vaccination rates, and social determinants of health.
These insights will help inform more effective disease prevention strategies and highlight the connection between public health, infrastructure, and social factors. This work reflects GCRO's ongoing commitment to supporting research that contributes to improved public health outcomes in the Gauteng City-Region and beyond. We wish Fiona every success in this important research and look forward to the meaningful insights her work will bring.