Dr. Hans Kluge of the World Health Organization emphasized the critical need for adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in health facilities, stating that without them, expected care could result in harm. He highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare as an investment in crisis resilience. A recent UN-led meeting in Budapest saw over 40 countries commit to building stronger and more equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, known as WASH. The 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health was co-led by UNECE and the UN health agency. This Protocol is the sole legally binding international treaty linking environmental protection, water governance, and public health, leading to concrete improvements such as expanded clean water access and enhanced disease surveillance.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with millions lacking basic sanitation and safe drinking water in Europe. UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean highlighted the ongoing need for multilateral cooperation. The Protocol offers resources like an equitable access dashboard and water security planning, impacting over 30 countries and informing policies in various sectors.
Pan-European countries are dedicated to ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation, demonstrated through the Budapest Declaration and the Sustainable Development Goals, but guidance is needed, which the Protocol provides, as noted by Marta Vargha. Measures under the Protocol include providing safe water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene in schools, monitoring wastewater for viruses like COVID-19, combating Legionella bacteria, and planning carbon-neutral water services.
Ahead of the UN climate summit in Brazil, UNECE called on governments to prioritize water and sanitation systems for climate resilience, a sentiment echoed by Secretary-General António Guterres, who linked progress in this area to advancements in several Sustainable Development Goals.
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