World Health Day 2023: Water management challenges to improve public health

While nearly 2 billion* people do not have access to drinking water and 4 billion* do not have access to sanitation services in good conditions, this day, which this year celebrates "75 years of Health for All", is an opportunity to recall that access to drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Thus, thanks to our four complementary areas of expertise, we are contributing to the achievement of SDG 6, which aims for universal and equitable access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation by 2030.

Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation has dramatic health consequences, especially for children and the most vulnerable communities.

Water-related diseases are a major factor in the spread of disease and mortality worldwide, sometimes with long-term consequences. Preventing the contamination of water resources, as well as controlling the treatment and transport infrastructure, is a major global issue. It is therefore imperative to have a good understanding of the risks of contamination, the necessary procedures and response measures, and the systems for protecting infrastructure.

OiEau, a public utility association, works to ensure access to drinking water for all, to efficient sanitation systems, by training professionals on wastewater collection and treatment, waste, prevention of sanitary risks and management of water utilities, at all scales.

In parallel with its training offer and institutional and technical support, OiEau carries out actions for raising awareness and disseminating knowledge, for example with the newsletters and briefs.

Each week, OiEau publishes key figures, related to the stakes of water, sanitation and the environment: find the figures related to water in France, fresh water in the world, SAGEs or macro-waste in rivers.

* Source: World Health Organization (WHO)