The European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Joint Research Centre (JRC), with the support of the EU Delegation to Japan, launched the GLOWACON Aviation Programme at the Osaka World Expo 2025 on 18 September.
The initiative, part of the EU’s Global Consortium for Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance for Public Health (GLOWACON), marks a significant step in advancing the use of wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) as a tool for global health preparedness.
WES provides early, non-invasive signals of disease circulation and complements clinical surveillance. By developing and scaling WES systems in international airports – key hubs for cross-border travel – the Aviation Programme aims to identify and mitigate potential health threats before they spread globally.
With this initiative, Europe underlines its leadership in global health preparedness. The launch of the GLOWACON Aviation Programme represents a milestone, recognising that airports are not only gateways for travel but also for surveillance and protection. By working with partners worldwide, the EU is building a stronger shield against future health emergencies.
The event at the Osaka Expo brought together policymakers, scientists, city leaders, health authorities, and private sector innovators. Discussions highlighted the importance of wastewater and environmental surveillance in supporting the broader One Health, One Water, One World agenda by linking public health, environmental protection, and sustainable economies.
Expressions of interest for participation in the Aviation Programme can be submitted until 17 October.
Details
- Publication date
- 18 September 2025
- Author
- Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority