Issue, 16, Water and Health, published on July 2003.

Water and Health

“Drink safely, eat safely and live safely” is a simple saying that reminds us of the importance of water and good hygiene practices.

Unfortunately, use and access to safe water and hygiene practices are still low in Cambodia, particularly in rural areas. If access and use of safe water and good hygiene practices are improved and developed in rural areas, it will considerably reduce the transmission of many water borne diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases, that still affect many Cambodians especially children.

To improve the health and well-being of the Cambodian people, the Royal Government, national and international NGOs, the private sector and rural communities need to work together to develop safe drinking water supply, sanitation and improve hygiene practices.
Participation of the rural communities is a key factor to ensure the sustainability of water supply and sanitation systems.

To meet the needs of the communities, participation is a necessity from the planning to the use, management and maintenance of these systems. Education to make communities able to run them by themselves is also essential.

This issue of Health Messenger provides important information on water and health. It should help Health Workers and Village Health Volunteers to promote important hygiene practices and sensibilize people for developing safe water supply and sanitation in their communities.