Webinar | Ending the neglect to attain the sustainable development goals: a global strategy on water, sanitation and hygiene to combat neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030

30 Mar 2021 14:00 GMT
Online / virtual

Following the recent launch of the  ‘‘Global Strategy on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases – 2021-2030’’, join the WHO on 30 March for a thorough discussion on how to provide 100% access to basic water, sanitation & hygiene by 2030 in areas endemic for NTDs. The Strategy document on WASH and NTDs complements the recently launched new NTD road map and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.1 and 6.2 on drinking water and sanitation.

Increased collective action will require stronger political leadership and long-term, smart investments that recognize WASH as a foundational pillar to public health. The objectives of the strategy include:

  • Increasing awareness on the co-benefits of WASH and NTDs and engagement at national and global levels
  • Sharing data to highlight inequalities, target investment, and track progress
  • Generating high quality evidence and embed them within guidance and national strategies
  • Joint planning, delivery and evaluation of programmes to enhance accountability, sustainability and equity.

“This strategy prioritizes quality research and data-driven evidence for decision-making and facilitates the joint implementation of life-saving and life-improving NTD programmes” said Dr Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela, Director, WHO Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases. “It will guide the scale-up of essential WASH and health services and contribute to the NTD road map’s target of providing 100% access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene in areas endemic for NTDs”.