Celebrating 120 Years of Solidarity in Advancing Health and Well-Being, Leaving No One Behind
Air pollution, contaminated water, inadequate sanitation including solid waste management, risks related to certain hazardous chemicals, and negative impacts of climate change are the most pressing environmental public health threats in the Region.
PAHO provides technical support, promotes the generation of evidence for better management of water and sanitation services; creates, and disseminates technical guidelines on water, sanitation, and hygiene; strengthens public health environmental surveillance systems for water, sanitation, and hygiene; and monitors progress toward achievement of the SDGs.
PAHO aims to build communities more environmentally healthy and resilient in terms of managing environmental risks to health associated with water, sanitation, and hygiene by supporting health and helping to create healthy environments.
In September 2010, the Regional Technical Team on Water and Sanitation (ETRAS) was conceived to contribute to the improvement of health conditions in Peru and the countries of the Region through its interventions in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector (WASH). Its objectives include stimulate and advise PAHO / WHO Member States on the adoption of new, more effective, and efficient approaches and strategies for improving WASH conditions. And promote the integration of environmental health actions through basic sanitation and housing.
Inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services has significant consequences for the health of a population. There are several diseases caused by micro-organisms and chemicals in drinking water such as malnutrition, neglected diseases, diarrhea, and poisonings. Approximately 7,600 children under 5 die annually from diarrheal diseases in the Region.
