UNICEF Warns One-Third of Afghanistan’s Population Lacks Access to Safe Drinking Water
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that nearly one-third of Afghanistan’s population, including 6.8 million children, lack access to safe drinking water. This crisis is the result of prolonged conflicts, the destruction of water infrastructure, and a decrease in international aid, severely limiting access to water and sanitation services.
UNICEF’s report indicates that the depletion of groundwater resources in Kabul has forced low-income families to purchase water from tanker trucks to meet their needs. Additionally, some children are missing school because they are tasked with fetching water for their families.
UNICEF identified funding shortages and restrictions on female staff activities as significant obstacles to providing water and sanitation services. Adding to these challenges, millions of children across the country continue to face the negative consequences of inadequate water and sanitation services.
