Caritas Internationalis brought a strong grassroots voice to one of the most urgent challenges in global health this week, as more than 100 faith leaders, health experts and practitioners convened in Rome for a landmark two-day conference on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities.

Held on 22–23 April under the patronage of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Committed to WASH in Healthcare Facilities – A Gathering in Rome of Faith-Based Organizations and Allies to Accelerate Progress drew together voices from across the world to renew their commitment to delivering services related to water, health, and sanitation.

Some recent data were also discussed: across 60 countries analysed by a collective survey, 37% of health facilities lack basic water services and 81% lack adequate sanitation — conditions that drive infections, maternal and infant mortality, and entirely preventable disease. Faith-based organisations, which in some regions provide up to half of all healthcare services, are increasingly recognised as essential to closing that gap.

Representing Caritas Internationalis, Secretary General Alistair Dutton grounded the discussion in technical expertise and professional experience:

“There is that well-known ‘rule of threes’: we can survive about three weeks without food, about three days without water, and only a few minutes without oxygen. Water sits right at the heart of human survival. But it is not just about having water, it is about having enough and having it safely. Quantity matters, but quality matters just as much. Waterborne diseases remain one of the greatest killers, especially in Africa. So when we speak about water, we are speaking about life, health, and dignity.” -Alistair Dutton Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis

“Clean water is absolutely essential in hospitals and clinics – he added.  Without it, the very places meant to heal can become sources of infection. Too often, systems are built but not maintained. Before we build new systems, we should fix the ones that already exist.”