Water, sanitation and hygiene in schools and health care facilities

Access to and sustainable management of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all in all settings – including schools, work places and health care facilities – is imperative.

Institutional WASH is a priority in the WHO European Region, and WHO/Europe focusses on WASH in schools and health care facilities. These settings are used by a large number of individuals who have particular needs and vulnerabilities. Having safe and sustainable access to WASH in schools and health care facilities, as elsewhere, is a human right. Providing these services is essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recognizes the health, well-being and dignity of all people by ensuring that they have access to institutions with adequate facilities.

Under the Protocol on Water and Health, WHO/Europe assists countries in advancing WASH in institutions. The Protocol, adopted in 1999, is the primary multilateral agreement in the WASH domain for the Region. It provides a practical platform for policy dialogue and facilitates the development of integrated policies and targets to achieve universal access to WASH in institutions.