FAO emphasized that challenges related to water, sanitation and health are complex, but resilient WASH systems combined with the One Health approach provide a strong foundation for protecting public health. This message was delivered during the Seventh Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health in Budapest, marking the twentieth anniversary of the protocol’s entry into force.
During the high-level session, ministers and experts reflected on two decades of progress and discussed future priorities. FAO’s Raimund Jehle stressed that resilient WASH systems are essential for health security, as they help prevent water-borne diseases, support safe food production, and protect communities during crises such as pandemics and climate-related shocks. He highlighted the protocol’s unique role as the only legally binding instrument connecting water management with public health outcomes.
Jehle warned that water pollution, climate change and water stress in food production are major concerns requiring stronger WASH systems. In Europe and Central Asia, more than one-fifth of surface water and nearly one-third of groundwater remain polluted. Climate change is aggravating droughts and floods, disrupting water and sanitation services. Central Asia faces particularly severe water stress, aging irrigation systems and poor wastewater management, all of which threaten health, nutrition and livelihoods.
FAO’s 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition underscores the importance of water security in transforming food and agricultural systems. The report analyzes how water directly affects food production across the region.
FAO urged countries to adopt the One Health approach to better integrate water, agriculture and ecosystems. As chair of the Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism, FAO assists countries in incorporating WASH, pollution control and food safety into national policies, while monitoring risks such as zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance at the water–food–animal interface. The organization also promotes investment in climate-resilient, low-pollution water systems that support both health and livelihoods.
Looking ahead, Jehle outlined key actions to ensure safe and continuous water, sanitation and hygiene services. He encouraged expanding water quality and biomonitoring networks, upgrading wastewater treatment and promoting the safe reuse of treated water in agriculture. He also called for joint early warning systems, better data sharing and stronger collaboration across health, water, environment and agricultural sectors. He concluded that coordinated action is essential to ensure that safe water benefits people, animals and ecosystems alike.
The session was hosted by Hungary along with UNECE and WHO Europe, aiming to adopt a new strategy and programme of work for 2026–2028 focused on building resilient water and sanitation sectors.
