International Water Day Celebrated at Ternopil National Medical University

Every year on March 22, the world celebrates World Water Day — a date intended to draw humanity’s attention to the immense value of water resources and the challenges of their preservation.

On this occasion, on March 23, lecturers of the Department of General Hygiene and Ecology, together with future doctors, medical students of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University held an educational event dedicated to the role of water in maintaining public health. The aim was to foster among students a conscious and responsible attitude toward water as a finite natural resource.

The event began with a welcoming speech by the Head of the Department, Professor Olena Lototska, who emphasized that understanding water hygiene is critical for future medical professionals. In modern conditions, the issue of clean water extends far beyond environmental concerns, becoming a matter of national security and public health. Therefore, World Water Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a reminder of every individual’s responsibility to preserve water resources. Careful use of water, its conservation, and protection from pollution are essential for safeguarding the health of present and future generations.

Sixth-year medical students actively participated in the event, presenting on key aspects of the topic. Oksana Petryshyn delivered a report titled “World Water Day in Historical Perspective,” skillfully guiding the audience through the origins of this date, starting from the 1992 UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro. She emphasized how, over three decades, this day has evolved from an environmental initiative into a global strategy for human survival, highlighting the increasing value of fresh water each year.

Particular interest was sparked by a presentation on the therapeutic properties of water. Sixth-year students Ivan Bevziuk and Nadiia Lutsyshyn thoroughly analyzed methods of water use in medical practice — from proper hydration and hydrotherapy to the application of mineral waters in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

A presentation titled “Current Problems of Water Pollution in Ukraine” was delivered by Anastasiia Nikulina and Maksym Ruzhytskyi. In their speech, they addressed highly important issues, including the state of water resources in Ukraine, the destruction of water infrastructure caused by the war, pollution of rivers by industrial and household waste, contamination from agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, deteriorating water supply systems, and poor water treatment quality.

The event concluded on an emotionally powerful note. In Ukrainian culture, water is not only a chemical compound but also a profound symbol celebrated by classical writers. Junior students joined the event by reciting immortal lines by Taras Shevchenko: Bohdan Yurchenko (group 311) movingly recited “The Water Flows from Beneath the Maple Tree,” evoking the peace and harmony of native nature. Nazarii Bobko (group 301) powerfully performed “The Mighty Dnipro Roars and Groans,” conveying the indomitable strength of Ukraine’s main water artery.

Thus, the event dedicated to World Water Day became an important tool for raising students’ awareness of the significance of water as the foundation of life and a key factor in public health. It demonstrated that future doctors understand that a patient’s health begins not with a prescription, but with a clean glass of water and a preserved environment.