KABUL (MoPH) said on Monday, launching a two-week campaign of distribution of masks.

The mask distribution campaign has been launched by the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) jointly with Kabul Municipality.

Shah Zaman  Maiwandi, NEPA chief, who was present in the campaign, told media persons that distribution of masks could be a way of protection from air pollution in Kabul.

Besides masks, Maiwandi also asked people to use turban and handkerchief for their safety. He said the drive woulkd cover 16 areas of Kabul city full of rush.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fida Mohammad Paikan, deputy public health minister, said air pollution contributed to diseases, including asthama, chest pain, cold and heart disease and 17 people have died. He said 1,600 cases increased this year compared to last year.

Mehtab Alami, deputy director of Kabul municipality, said they started their programs for protection of air pollution from the past 10 days in Kabul.

She added 22 ministries had prepared emergency plans, which will be implemented in cooperation with NEPA and the Ministry of Interior.

She said a number of owners of business centers in Kabul had pledged to install a filter to prevent air pollution.

Four wedding restaurants and two residential compounds have been closed due to not installing fitter for air pollution in Kabul city since yesterday.

Pk/ma

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