UNICEF: 80% of Afghans Forced to Drink Contaminated Water
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says Afghanistan ranks among the most vulnerable countries to the climate crisis, despite having contributed very little to the global problem.
According to a new report released on Wednesday, November 11, limited access to safe drinking water following recent earthquakes and ongoing environmental degradation has put millions of people—particularly in vulnerable regions—at serious risk.
UNICEF warns that eight out of ten Afghan citizens are forced to consume contaminated water, a situation that directly impacts children’s health and facilitates the spread of waterborne diseases. This situation, coupled with the collapse of healthcare systems due to natural disasters, has led to a surge in disease outbreaks.
UNICEF findings indicate that children are the most affected by this crisis. Families who have lost their homes due to natural disasters urgently need shelter, warmth, clean water, and access to health services.
The report comes amid growing criticism of the Taliban administration, which has been unable to meet the basic needs of the population and continues to disregard environmental crises—raising serious concerns over the health and living conditions of Afghans, especially children.
