Challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene within the 2030 agenda for sustainable development in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global strategic framework of seventeen goals to be achieved within a decade. The recent Progress Report shows that Serbia made steps toward reaching targets within the sustainable development goal (SDG) 6 related to the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. While 82% of the population in urban areas has access to safe drinking water, the country needs to regulate water supply systems and individual water sources in rural areas. Hygienically correct water is a prerequisite for preventing the transmission of fecal-oral diseases. The biggest challenge under the SDG 6 is safe sanitation management, available to 18% of the population. A national on-site study in Serbia identified issues with the containment, emptying, transport, and final disposal of excreta. The key actions must be connecting households to public sewers, regulating management of septic tanks, and investing in environmentally safe wastewater treatment plants. The Progress Report claims that 98% of the population has access to hand-washing facilities with soap and water within the household. This highlights the importance of providing hygienically correct water not only for drinking and sanitation, but for personal hygiene, hand washing, laundry, cleaning, and other household needs. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are of prime importance in public institutions. Several studies in Serbia reported inadequate sanitary-hygienic conditions in schools and healthcare facilities in rural areas. WASH in schools and healthcare facilities not only contributes to reducing the spread of infectious diseases but also supports the healthy habits of pupils and patients and promotes the good health of the entire population. We propose the public health system ensure long-term supervision over water supply, sanitation services, and hygiene in households, schools, and healthcare facilities through continuous monitoring programs in line with the indicators and targets of the 2030 Agenda.