Workshop on safe sanitation for public health protection in central Asia: meeting report, Astana, 3–4 June 2025.

Overview

The Workshop on safe sanitation for public health protection in central Asia, held on 3–4 June 2025 in Astana, convened national and regional stakeholders to strengthen understanding and capacity for safely managed sanitation. Participants explored the health and environmental rationale for sanitation, reviewed the provisions of the WHO Guidelines on sanitation and health, and applied the sanitation safety planning approach. The workshop emphasized climate-resilient systems, equity, and intersectoral collaboration, and supported dialogue on setting national sanitation targets under the Protocol on Water and Health. Country teams from central Asia discussed priority actions to close infrastructure and service gaps and improve regulations and monitoring schemes, including focus on rural and vulnerable populations. The event reinforced sanitation as a public health priority and a strategic investment in resilience, contributing to regional efforts to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.