Father of Helmand children suffering from malnutrition appeals for help

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Five children in the Nawa district of southern Helmand province have been suffering from worst malnutrition that forced their father to appeal to the government and welfare organizations for help.

Mawlavi Abdul Zahir, who serves as the Imam of a mosque in the Kharabi area, had been recently blessed with triplets, earlier he had two children and all five of them are now suffering from malnutrition.

During an exclusive chat with Pajhwok Afghan News Mawlavi Zahir said he was struggling economically and in addition hi children are affected by malnutrition.

“Last year I was blessed with triplets prematurely and 10 months earlier I was blessed with twins all of them are suffering with acute health issues,” he said.

This comes that malnutrition branches are active in the Helmand’s Lashkargha and Suraya Hospital.

“Doctor told me to hospitalize your children for treatment but I don’t have someone who should look after them and stay with my children in the hospital,” said Mawlavi Zahir.

He said now his children direly need proper food — Milk — and oxygen but due to financial problems he was unable to provide them with these essential items.

“I serve as Imam in a small mosque in a village, my financial strength is not that much to provide enough food and treatment to my children,” he said.

Hafiz Naqibullah, a seminary teacher in the area, said Mawlavi Abdul Zahir was not financially sound, adding that he deserved to be helped out.

Helmand Information and Cultural Affairs Director Mawlavi Mohammad Qasim Riyaz told Pajhwok Afghan News “Islamic Emirate was trying to identify less fortunate persons nationwide to provide them with support.”

He said the government in the past provided support to less fortunate persons and this process will continue.

The father of five children suffering from malnutrition has appealed to government and welfare organization for support.

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