Uzbekistan joins UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health

With a population of 35 million, Uzbekistan faces significant water challenges and severe water stress. Access to water and sanitation services is relatively low, with stark geographical disparities: according to WHO/UNICEF, 71 per cent of the rural population has access to safe drinking water compared to 89 per cent in urban areas, and only 32 per cent of domestic wastewater is being safely treated. The impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, further complicate the delivery of water and sanitation services. 

As a new Party to the Protocol, the country commits to set integrated targets on water, sanitation, hygiene and health, with a focus on climate impacts, and to regularly report on progress in achieving those targets. 

The Protocol on Water and Health is a multilateral environmental agreement under the auspices of UNECE and the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) that seeks to protect the environment and safeguard human health and well-being by sustainably managing water resources and ensuring access to clean and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. 

• Read more about Uzbekistan’s accession here.