THEME GUIDE Introduction

Access to clean water and a healthy environment are critical factors for human health and well-being. Water scarcity, water pollution, and climate change are global problems that affect millions of people worldwide. Lack of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation services can have serious consequences for public health, food security, and economic and social development. In addition, exposure to environmental contaminants in water can have negative health effects, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases. Therefore, it is important to take measures to protect the environment and ensure universal access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation services for all.

Some of the current solutions to water scarcity, according to the WHO and the UN, include the use of more efficient water consumption technologies, the implementation of public policies that promote water conservation and sustainable use, investment in infrastructure for the supply of drinking water and sanitation, and education and awareness-raising about the importance of water care

In this situation, governments and international organizations have a fundamental role in seeking sustainable solutions that allow access to water for all. Among the possible solutions are the implementation of public policies that promote water conservation and efficient use, investment in infrastructure for the supply of drinking water and sanitation, research and development of more efficient technologies, and education and awareness-raising about the importance of water care. It is necessary to work together to address this problem and ensure a sustainable future for all

What is environmental health?

Environmental health is a field that focuses on how the environment affects human health The WHO and the UN have recognized the importance of this issue and have established specific goals to promote environmental health. Some of these goals include ensuring universal access to clean water and taking urgent measures to combat climate change and its negative effects.

Environmental health is essential for preventing environmentally related diseases and injuries Environmental factors such as air, water and food quality, as well as exposure to chemicals and other environmental contaminants, can have a significant impact on human health

In addition, environmental health is a key component of sustainable development. Promoting a healthy environment is essential to achieving global health goals, protecting human rights, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

In summary, environmental health is a critical field for protecting and improving human well-being We can all do our part to promote environmental health through daily practices such as recycling and saving energy, as well as supporting public policies that protect our environment

What is water safety?

According to WHO, water safety refers to the ability to ensure that water used for drinking, cooking and other household activities is safe for human consumption. This means that water must be free of chemical, physical and biological contaminants that can cause illness in people.

WHO establishes standards for drinking water quality to ensure that water is safe and healthy for human consumption. The UN has established Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In addition, the UN has created the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" (2018-2028) in order to promote concrete actions to improve water and sanitation management worldwide Water safety is a fundamental human right

WASH: water, sanitation and hygiene

Water, sanitation, and hygiene or just WASH, is a term used to describe the essential services and practices that are crucial for human health and well-being

Safe WASH is not only a prerequisite to health but also contributes to livelihoods, school attendance, dignity, morale, safety, and resilience It involves improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap

WASH has a direct impact on human health and well-being, inadequate or unsafe WASH can cause diseases such as diarrhea, malnutrition, malaria, trachoma, and others that can lead to death, especially among children. WASH can help prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases by enabling proper hygiene practices.

WASH interventions are actions or activities that aim to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for people and communities, encompassing technologies, behavior change and systems strengthening to ensure sustainable monitoring, regulation, and financing of WASH services. Some examples of WASH interventions are:

WaSH in

promotes nutrition, hydration, and health literacy among school children. It involves providing safe drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities, hygiene education, deworming treatment, and micronutrient supplementation. It also supports menstrual health and hygiene in schools by constructing private, secure sanitation and washing facilities as well as menstrual pad disposal facilities.

works to improve access to basic water, sanitation, and handwashing facilities, and to establish protocols for preventing and controlling infections, promoting hygiene practices among staff and patients, such as washing hands before and after contact with patients, using personal protective equipment and disinfecting surfaces and equipment.

this includes transporting water, ensuring it is purified or providing water treatment and storage; also constructing toilets in refugee camps and transit centers. Promoting hygiene practices and distributing hygiene kits.