Health programmes: WASH and wastewater management to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Improvements in water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and wastewater management in all sectors are critical elements of preventing infections and reducing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as identified in the Global Action Plan to combat AMR and though the quadripartite joint secretariat (WHO/FAO/WOAH/UNEP) on AMR. Antimicrobial resistant organisms and their genes as well and antimicrobial compounds and their metabolites are common and widespread contaminants of wastewater and sludge from humans, animal and plant production and antimicrobial manufacturing. Ensuring universal access to sanitation, hygiene and safe water in households, health facilities and schools is also a priority measure to prevent many infections that would otherwise be treated with antimicrobials. WHO works on strengthening WASH and wastewater actions within wider efforts to combat AMR including specific initiative on wastewater and solid waste management from manufacturing and disposal of unused antimicrobials.
Leading Entity
World Health Organization (WHO)
Collaborating Entity(ies)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Contributing Action Number
CA1.37
Primary Entry Point
1: Lead and inspire collective action
Additional Entry Point(s)
3: Align UN system support for integration
Output(s)
Output 1.1: Water and sanitation issues are a strategic leadership priority for the UN System
Output 1.2: Action is inspired by compelling and unified UN system communications and messaging on water
Output 3.2: Integrated policy frameworks to manage water and sanitation across sectors are supported by the UN system using latest data and evidence
Output 3.3: Mainstreaming of water and sanitation-related issues into Member States-led intergovernmental processes is supported by the UN system
SDG 6 Target(s)
SDG target 6.1: Achieve safe and affordable drinking water
SDG target 6.2: Achieve access to sanitation and hygiene and end open defecation
SDG target 6.3: Improve water quality, wastewater and safe reuse
Water-related work on other SDGs
Type of Engagement
Normative support (e.g. development of normative guidance, guidelines and standards)
Capacity development and technical assistance
Geographical Scope
Global level
More Information
https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/burden-of-disease/wash-and-antimicrobial-resistance
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-CED-PHE-WSH-18.11

Leading Entity

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

The Contributing Actions are key initiatives supporting the United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, aligning individual and joint efforts across UN entities and partnering organizations to advance global water and sanitation goals. These actions are integrated into the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) Results Framework 2025-2028, which provides a structured approach to achieving system-wide impact through coordinated UN efforts.
The Priority Collaborative Actions outlined in the framework focus on enhancing water security, improving governance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating progress on sanitation and hygiene. By fostering system-wide collaboration among UN agencies, these actions help drive policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.