Lack of clean drinking water: Diarrhea cases on rise in Farah

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): Due to lack of clean drinking water, diarrhea cases have increased in western Farah province where 1242 cases were recorded in the past one month.

Dr. Salahuddin Ahadi, provincial hospital director, told Pajhwok Afghan News 1,242 people, including 310 children, were treated for diarrhea during the past one month.

He said 356 of the patients remained hospitalized, one person died and the rest were discharged after treatment.

Dr. Ahadi said most people in the province lacked access to clean drinking water ---a key reason behind the spike in diarrhea cases.

Provincial Rural Rehabilitation and Development director Mufti Mohammad Naseem Sarhang said they had launched chlorination of water reservoirs in Farah City, Farahrud, Pashtrod and Balabulok districts."

He added chlorine was currently being added to water tanks in schools, mosques and public places.

Water supply network manager Engineer Abdul Matin Mutmaen said 3,500 families were provided with clean drinking water and they were trying to supply clean drinking water to all areas of the city.

The residents of Farah city also asked the government to provide them with clean drinking water.

Mohammad Ibrahim, a resident, said many citizens lacked access to clean water in their homes. He added that the government should provide clean water to the people to prevent diseases.

Mohammad Nasir, a resident of Qala Muhammad area of ​​Farah city, said cases of diarrhea increased because most people did not have access to clean drinking water.

ma