The Protocol on Water and Health: making a difference

The entry into force of the Protocol on Water and Health in the WHO European Region is a new milestone for public health. As the world’s fi rst legal treaty designed to reduce water-related deaths and diseases, it gives countries an eff ective international mechanism for curbing the harm caused by unsafe water and sanitation.

Adoption of the Protocol is a demonstration of governments’ commitment to protect millions of people from the damaging impact of water ill health. I share the pleasure of all contributors to this achievement, and express my appreciation for the common eff ort of WHO Regional Offi ce for Europe and the United Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).