Moldova takes over presidency of UNECE-WHO Protocol on Water and Health

Moldova for the first time has been elected as the president of the Protocol on Water and Health, an international legal instrument managed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The decision was taken during the seventh session of the meeting of the parties, held om Geneva, Switzerland, on November 4-6. Moldova's mandate will extend from 2026 to 2028.

According to the Health Ministry, Moldova's election to this position represents recognition of progress in public health, access to safe drinking water and the implementation of population’s protection policies.

The Moldovan delegation is led by Angela Paraschiv, State Secretary of the Health Ministry, and includes representatives of the Environment Ministry and the National Public Health Agency.

As president of the Protocol, Moldova will promote the following priorities: ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation, especially for rural communities and vulnerable groups; strengthening the resilience of water systems in the context of climate change; supporting states in implementing national water and health plans; enhancing regional cooperation and mobilizing financial resources for infrastructure.

“For Moldova, this is an important opportunity to contribute to strengthening international cooperation and turning commitments into concrete results for people,” said Angela Paraschiv during the official assumption of the mandate.

The Protocol on Water and Health, adopted in 1999 and entered into force in 2005, is the only international legally binding instrument targeting health protection through the management of water resources, sanitation and hygiene. It covers the entire European region and has been ratified by 29 out of the 54 participating states so far. Moldova acceded to the Protocol in 2005.

So far, Hungary has held the presidency of the Protocol and the meeting of the parties occurs every three years.