Drought and Lack of Water, a Major Concern in Afghanistan

According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) survey, 79 percent of households in Afghanistan reported a lack of water.

The problem of lack of water caused by continued drought over the past couple of years in Afghanistan is a huge concern on different fronts. Providing clean and safe water for the people has been a great challenge, particularly, with climate change which is an addition to the existing problem.  

“The problem of lack of water is serious and UNICEF would help Afghanistan in addressing the problem. Bringing clean, safe water to 9 million people the following year is a priority for the organization,” Salam Al-Janabi, UNICEF Afghanistan spokesperson, said.

Meanwhile, Afghan households also are concerned about the lack of water in the country. According to some residents in Kabul, the water level has seriously dropped down and most wells have dried, giving them fresh headaches to supply clean water.

Amid these difficult economic times, drought and lack of water have become a new challenge for ordinary people to deal with. Hunger, poverty, unemployment, security, and lack of access to proper healthcare services and education have already had their adverse impacts on the people’s lives.  

Moreover, according to healthcare experts, failing to provide safe and hygienic drinking water would spread various diseases among people, particularly children in remote areas.

Global warming and climate change have resulted in water shortages in most parts of Afghanistan particularly Kabul, the capital. Therefore, UNICEF, NGOs and the current de facto regime of Afghanistan will have to work together to address the issue and come up with effective solutions to the water shortage issue in the country.  

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