Workshop on Strengthening WASH strategies kicks off today in Havana

HAVANA, Cuba, Feb 11 (ACN) A workshop on alternatives to guarantee a safe and rational water supply to the most vulnerable communities and the reduction of development gaps began today in Havana, on Strengthening WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) strategies.

The initiative is developed jointly with the participation of the Cuban National Institute of Water Resources (INRH by its Spanish acronym), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Stockholm International Water Institute, the IRIS Climate Foundation, and other related organizations, such as the Cuban Ministries of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma by its Spanish acronym), Public Health and Education.

In his opening remarks at the event, Antonio Rodriguez Rodriguez, president of the INRH, ratified Cuba's willingness to work together with the relevant institutions on a financing strategy to contribute to the Comprehensive Water Development Plan 2030, which includes the improvement of water and sanitation services.

Rodriguez also stressed the need for coordination and collaboration with the education and health sectors to ensure more resilient services in the face of extreme events and adapted to climate change.

He expressed his certainty that the space will help identify and overcome bottlenecks to ensure that the Cuban population, especially minors, have access to quality water, sanitation and hygiene services, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals related to the issue.

We reiterate our commitment to continue working in a coordinated manner, not only at the multilateral level, but also at the bilateral level, to address the challenges in the sector, to eliminate vulnerabilities and promote a healthier environment for the population, especially children, the president of INRH concluded.

Odalys Goicochea Cardoso, general director of the Environment of the Ministry of the Environment; Sunny Guidotti, deputy representative of Unicef in Cuba; Hanna Maria Josefina Lambert, ambassador of Sweden, among other authorities of the institutions represented, were present at the opening ceremony.