Delivering safe sanitation for all: areas for action to improve the situation in the pan-European region

Abstract

Sanitation is a fundamental determinant of human health and well-being and is essential for protecting the environment and enabling economic and social development. Ensuring universal, equitable and sustainable access to safe sanitation in all settings is a political priority in the pan-European region. This publication aims to support implementation of the provisions on sanitation under the Protocol on Water and Health, as well as national and international goals and targets on sanitation by providing an overview of the situation of sanitation and wastewater management in the region, describing current and emerging issues in ensuring access to safe and sustainable sanitation services, and proposing key action areas to strengthen sanitation governance. It is primarily targeted at national decision-makers and supports public health and environment authorities, surveillance agencies, sanitation service providers and other relevant stakeholder.