Final Report: Planning and Capacity Building Related to Covid-19 Monitoring Using Wastewater Surveillance in Amman, Jordan

The project focused on planning and capacity building related to COVID-19 monitoring using wastewater surveillance in Amman, Jordan. The project aimed to build the capacity of the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) Central Laboratory to conduct wastewater testing for SARS-CoV-2. The project involved collaboration with the WAJ Central Laboratory to design a wastewater testing program. The program included sample collection, concentration, and analysis. The project team identified resources and equipment required to perform the sampling and testing program. A workshop was held on March 10, 2021, to discuss the program and its implementation. The project team conducted a gap analysis to identify the capacity building needs of the WAJ Central Laboratory. The analysis revealed a need for training and equipment to perform the wastewater testing program. The project team developed a recommended testing approach, which included sample collection, concentration, and RNA extraction. The team also identified opportunities for increasing capacity further, including the expansion of the laboratory and the development of a national wastewater surveillance system framework. A roadmap was developed for expanding the wastewater surveillance program beyond Ain Ghazal. The roadmap included lessons learned from the Ain Ghazal pilot, a national wastewater surveillance system framework, and an implementation plan for expanded spatial and temporal coverage. The plan also included the development of adequate analytical capacity and ongoing institutional cooperation. The project team conducted a detailed analysis of the current situation, including a technical memorandum and health and safety materials. The team also compared different methods for wastewater testing and developed a recommended protocol for sample collection, concentration, and analysis. The project team provided materials from a workshop held on March 10, 2021, and details related to a laboratory expansion scenario. The project was implemented under the USAID Contract No. AID-OAA-I-15-00047, Order: 72027818F00002. The project was prepared by CDM International for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Global Architect – Engineer Services II IDIQ contract. The project team included Anna Mehrotra, Ayman Halaseh, Bashar Khalil, and Rawan Abu Eitah, who were responsible for the planning and capacity building related to COVID-19 monitoring using wastewater surveillance in Amman, Jordan.