The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and UNICEF have agreed to strengthen cooperation on clean drinking water, sanitation and climate resilience initiatives aimed at improving public health and essential services across the province.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Provincial Minister for Public Health Engineering Fazal Shakoor Khan and UNICEF WASH Manager Mr Itsuro in Peshawar on Thursday. The meeting was attended by UNICEF WASH Specialist Farooq Khan, WASH Officer Rehmanullah, Chief Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department Amjad Shamsher, Director Technical Waseem and other officials.
During the discussions, participants reviewed ongoing and proposed projects relating to water supply, sanitation and climate adaptation. The UNICEF delegation briefed the minister on activities being implemented in various districts, including Charsadda, Nowshera and Swat. Both sides emphasised the need for a coordinated strategy to address the growing impact of climate change on water resources and sanitation infrastructure. Proposals concerning model villages, sustainable water supply schemes, improved drainage systems and public awareness initiatives were also examined.
Participants agreed that greater public awareness of safe drinking water, hygiene practices and sanitation measures was essential to improving health outcomes and reducing preventable diseases.
Speaking on the occasion, Fazal Shakoor Khan said the provision of clean drinking water and improved sanitation services remained among the provincial government’s foremost priorities. He added that efforts were under way to modernise water supply systems and expand access to essential services in both urban and rural areas. The minister praised UNICEF’s continued support for public welfare programmes and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the organisation on projects related to water security, sanitation and climate resilience.
Both sides also agreed to accelerate joint efforts to promote sustainable water supply schemes, improve sanitation and drainage infrastructure and strengthen local-level measures aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. Fazal Shakoor Khan said improved water and sanitation systems would help reduce public health challenges and enhance community well-being, adding that continued collaboration between the provincial government and UNICEF would contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development objectives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
