The situation of water-related infectious diseases in the pan-European region

ABSTRACT

The Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes aims at protecting human health and well-being through sustainable water management and the prevention, control and reduction of water-related diseases. Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases is a priority area under the Protocol’s programme of work 2014–2016. A review of the available evidence reveals significant underreporting and underestimation of the true extent of water-related diseases in the pan-European region, indicating a need to strengthen national capacities for surveillance of these diseases. Campylobacteriosis, giardiasis, hepatitis A and shigellosis are the most commonly reported gastrointestinal infectious diseases that could be attributed to water. According to limited published data, about 18% of investigated outbreaks in the WHO European Region may be associated with this source. There has been progress in setting specific targets for prevention and reduction of water-related diseases and for strengthening surveillance and early-warning systems in accordance with the core provisions of the Protocol.