Enhancing access to safe water, sanitation

one of these and more can be prevented by enhancing access to safe water and sanitation for all.

Making that happen means, first and foremost, focusing on equity — on ensuring resources are focused where the burden of water and sanitation-related disease is the highest. To do that, health data must be utilised effectively to plan water and sanitation interventions. In India, that means ensuring ministries of health and drinking water and sanitation work hand-in-hand to find targeted solutions.

That is especially the case in the nine states where the burden of water and sanitation-related disease is most significant.

Notably, despite substantial regionwide investment in constructing basic water and sanitation-related infrastructure, it is equally important that the water supplied is at all times safe, and that associated infrastructure is utilised and adequately maintained. That requires the enforcement of water quality regulations, ongoing behavioural change campaigns, as well as permanent vigilance to ensure facilities are safe and serviceable.

Safe disposal of sewage and wastewater is likewise crucial. Inadequate treatment of sewage and wastewater not only leads to contamination of natural water sources by faecal matter and chemical contaminants, but also contributes to antimicrobial resistance — one of the 21st century’s greatest threat to public health and health security.

To help mitigate these threats and accelerate access to safely managed water and sanitation for everyone everywhere – as per Sustainable Development Goal 6 – WHO guidelines for safe water and sanitation planning should be fully embraced. It includes conducting regular risk assessments and managing all risks effectively from catchment to consumer. It also means carrying out regular –- and ongoing -– water quality surveillance among other core monitoring activities.

Across the South-East Asian region, WHO is committed to accelerating the progress already made in advancing access to safe water and sanitation. India, too, is committed to that goal. To that end, WHO will continue to support India until all people everywhere have the water and sanitation needed to stay healthy.