WHO global water, sanitation and hygiene: annual report 2021
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World Health Organization
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xii, 46 p.
This report summarizes the World Health Organization’s global activities on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 2021, within the framework of its 2018–2025 strategy and the Thirteenth General Programme of Work. It describes how WHO sustained essential normative, monitoring and technical functions while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas of work include the development and dissemination of guidelines on drinking-water quality and sanitation, leadership in global monitoring through the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme and UN-Water GLAAS, and support to countries in strengthening WASH systems and integrating WASH into health programmes. The report highlights major outputs such as technical guidance, global reports and data platforms, alongside capacity-building activities and partnerships. It emphasizes the role of WASH in infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and health system resilience, particularly in health care facilities. Persistent gaps in access to safely managed services, inequalities affecting vulnerable populations, and challenges related to financing, governance and data are noted. The report underscores the importance of coordinated, cross-sectoral approaches, strengthened country capacity and climate-resilient strategies to accelerate progress towards universal access and improved public health outcomes.
This report summarizes the World Health Organization’s global activities on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 2021, within the framework of its 2018–2025 strategy and the Thirteenth General Programme of Work. It describes how WHO sustained essential normative, monitoring and technical functions while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas of work include the development and dissemination of guidelines on drinking-water quality and sanitation, leadership in global monitoring through the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme and UN-Water GLAAS, and support to countries in strengthening WASH systems and integrating WASH into health programmes. The report highlights major outputs such as technical guidance, global reports and data platforms, alongside capacity-building activities and partnerships. It emphasizes the role of WASH in infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and health system resilience, particularly in health care facilities. Persistent gaps in access to safely managed services, inequalities affecting vulnerable populations, and challenges related to financing, governance and data are noted. The report underscores the importance of coordinated, cross-sectoral approaches, strengthened country capacity and climate-resilient strategies to accelerate progress towards universal access and improved public health outcomes.