UNICEF Warns Drought in Afghanistan Threatens Children’s Access to Safe Water
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that prolonged drought across Afghanistan is putting millions of people—especially children—at risk of losing access to safe drinking water. The organization stated that limited access to clean water poses a serious threat to both the health and development of children.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 22, UNICEF announced that, in collaboration with the Republic of Korea, it has launched water supply projects in 20 local communities across the provinces of Ghor and Nangarhar. According to UNICEF, these initiatives involve the establishment of sustainable and long-lasting water systems.
UNICEF emphasized that the only effective solution to improving universal access to clean water is the creation of reliable and sustainable water supply systems at the community level. This comes amid widespread criticism of the Taliban administration, which has failed to provide basic and essential services such as drinking water in many remote and vulnerable areas, instead holding international organizations responsible for addressing these needs.
The ongoing drought, combined with poor water resource management by the current authorities, has made access to safe water increasingly precarious for residents. Observers warn that without an immediate and comprehensive response, Afghanistan could face a new wave of public health and humanitarian crises.
