Thrust 1: Resource Protection

The focus of research under this thrust is on the safeguarding of human health through the protection of both surface and ground water resources from impacts that compromise the quality of water and add to the economic burden of treating water to the national water quality norms and standards. Point and diffuse sources of pollution are addressed through pollution prevention interventions and remediation where water quality has already deteriorated. The focus is on the detection, prevention and management of all contaminants that pose a threat to human health. Development of health risk assessment and management tools for protecting human health from water-related health hazards is addressed under this thrust.Research under this thrust is addressed under the following programmes:
Programme 1: Detection, prevention and management of water- related microbial agents.
Programme 2: Detection, prevention and management of chemicals and radioactive contaminants in water resources.
Programme 3: Management of eutrophication and algal toxins.
Programme 4: Management of impacts of land use activities on surface and groundwater at a catchment level.

Thrust 2: Drinking Water

This thrust focuses on research addressing all health impacts of drinking water quality, risk assessment and risk management approaches such as water safety plans and the development of water quality monitoring systems. Research is contributing to ensuring that drinking water is safe, i.e. it does not cause any harm to human health, and it is free from pathogens and chemical contaminants that can potentially induce pathological and physiological damage to humans. This is achieved through the development of rapid and sensitive technologies for detecting contaminants in drinking water and innovative treatment technologies for removing contaminants from water. Research also contributes to the development of effective governance systems which are necessary to facilitate the regulation of drinking water quality.
Research is addressed under the following programmes:
Programme 1: Drinking water quality management.
Programme 2: Water treatment technologies and reticulation systems

Thrust 3: Public Health and Hygiene Issues

This thrust focuses on proximal factors such as water quantity, health and hygiene education that have a direct link to disease transmission. It also addresses the distal causal factors such as socio-economic factors that have an impact on both the health of a society and the individual through the linkages to the proximal factors. Public health protection has the following components:
· Surveillance to measure risk associated with specific water uses;
· Comparisons of measured risk and predefined acceptable risk, thus leading to the development of control strategies;
·  Public awareness campaigns and promotion of sanitation, health and hygiene education;
The main focus of this research thrust is on the development of tools for the identification of conditions that are conducive to water-borne disease outbreaks and appropriate precautionary and preventive measures that can be taken to protect public health. Examples of tools include water quality monitoring systems, early warning systems, disease surveillance systems and health and hygiene awareness and education materials. The impact of sanitation, water quality and quantity on the health of HIV/AIDS patients is also addressed with a view to developing strategies for reducing their exposure to microbial agents associated with contaminated water. Capacity building and training of sector professionals is  receiving attention under this thrust because the availability of skilled personnel is critical to public health protection.
Research is addressed under the following programmes:
Programme 1:  Public health, hygiene awareness and educational materials
Programme 2 : Capacity building and training programmes for public health professionals and practitioners.
Programme 3: HIV/AIDS linkage with water quality and quantity and access to adequate sanitation services.
Programme 4: Impact of water quantity and service levels on human health

Thrust 4: Sanitation and Waste Management

This thrust focuses on health aspects of the different sanitation technologies and waste management practices, with special reference to health implications of using waste as a resource.  Promotion of ecological sanitation technology is leading to a growing interest in the use of human excrement and grey water in crop production. There is a need to find a balance between increasing food security for poor households and the protection of public and environmental health. Research provides scientific information and health risk management strategies for guiding decision-makers in setting minimum quality standards for use of wastewater in crop production in order to protect human health. Research addresses safe treatment and disposal of sludge from on-site sanitation systems, for example, pit latrines, septic tanks and urine diversion systems. Health implications of malfunctioning water-borne sewerage and poor storm drainage systems are also addressed under this thrust.
Research is funded under the following programmes:
Programme 1: On-site sanitation treatment technologies
Programme 2: Use of waste as a resource
Programme 3: Management of water-borne sewerage and storm water systems

Thrust 5: Health Implications of Water Use other than Domestic Use

Research under this thrust focuses on the health implications of other water uses such as health risks associated with the irrigation of crops with water of poor quality; polluted recreational waters and occupational exposure to water of poor quality. Irrigation of crops with water of poor quality can have both direct and indirect effects on human health. Health risk assessment studies for the different use categories should be undertaken and appropriate management strategies should be developed to mitigate negative health impacts of exposure to water of poor quality.
Research is addressed under the following programmes:
Programme 1: Impacts of quality of irrigation water on human health
Programme 2: Ensuring safe water for recreation
Programme 3: Management of health impacts associated with occupational exposure to water of poor quality

Thrust 6: Governance Systems for Safeguarding Human Health