1. Strengthening “Water & Health” in the EECCA countries A project in development

2. Background Shared history and institutional framework and elements Harmonize with wider international practice A similar path with Baltic countries Ad hoc project facilitation mechanism

3. Thematic areas Coordination, risk communication, and public awareness WSS assessment and access monitoring Drinking water quality monitoring, evaluation system, and information/data management Drinking water distribution, and control of supply systems Waterborne disease surveillance, prevention, and control Health protection service and laboratory capacities

4. Project Goal To contribute to capacity building in the water and health sector by: 1. promoting institutional transformation and capacity building 2. facilitating ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health, and its implementation 3. contributing to poverty eradication

5. Immediate Objectives To facilitate ratification and implementation of the Protocol To produce recommendations that can be realistically implemented To provide appropriate information on the ad hoc project facilitation mechanism To establish a collaborative working relationship among participating experts

6. Political Milestones in 2007 Intergovernmental Mid-term Review Meeting of the European Environment and Health Process, 13-15 June 2007, Vienna, Austria Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, 10-12 October 2007, Belgrade, Serbia