The main focus of the workshop (announcement) was on the relationship between water and health. The workshop addressed issues related to: access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation; prevention, control and reduction of water-related diseases; sustainable management and protection of water resources; integrated sectors policy development and reform; social and equity aspects related to the right to water. The workshop allowed decision-makers and experts from EECCA countries, from the environment, water management, health, and infrastructure sectors, to exchange experience on national strategies designed to facilitate and integrate such components, as well as challenges related to their implementation.

In particular, the workshop focused on the Protocol on Water and Health and its provisions, in order to analyze and demonstrate the unique way it integrates environment and human well being.

The event was jointly organised by UNECE, UNDP and OSCE - as part of the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) - in cooperation with WHO-EURO. The European Commission supported the workshop organization as part of the EUWI - EECCA component. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Romania kindly hostsed and co-organized the workshop.

 Workshop’s objectives:

• Facilitate exchange of countries’ experiences on the regulatory, institutional technical and social and development aspects connected with the application and implementation of national policies/strategies and plans on water and heath
• Promote the ratification and implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health in the EECCA region and in particular contribute to the process of development and implementation Protocol’s targets at the national level and the setting up of surveillance systems for water-related diseases
• Promote the understanding of the public health consequences of the work carried out by those responsible for environment and water management, water supply and sanitation and, at the same time, promote understating of the basic principles of water and environment management, water supply and sanitation by those responsible for public health.
• Identify effective ways of cooperation between the water, environment and health sectors, and explore examples of networks, cooperation, processes and partnerships
• Identify gaps and opportunities in the region to develop and implement concrete projects and activities improving the public health status through the improvement of people’s access to water and sanitation services
• Explore and discuss related aspects – including “the right to water” – and its potential support to provisions and objectives under the protocol on Water & Health

The workshop gathered decision-makers from public administration representing water, environmental, and public health institutions, as well as representatives of international organizations, NGOs and the private sector.