ICRC on World Water Day: Access to water a major challenge for 33 million in Afghanistan
On World Water Day, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has highlighted access to water as a major challenge in Afghanistan, emphasizing that 33 million people in the country are facing water shortages.
The ICRC representatives stated on Saturday, March 22, that the water access challenge has direct impacts on public health, food security, and economic growth in the country.
The ICRC further explained that for millions of people in Afghanistan, securing water for drinking, cooking, agriculture, and other basic needs is often not feasible. This has become a significant issue as the lack of access to clean drinking water across various regions of Afghanistan continues to be one of the major problems facing the citizens.
“Access to water is a pressing issue in #Afghanistan, impacting public health, food security and economic growth. An estimated 80% of Afghans lack adequate access to water,” ICRC stated on its social media platform X.
The organization also stated that ” In 2024, we improved access to clean water to over 1.12 million people.”
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 67% of families in Afghanistan lack access to clean drinking water. This alarming statistic shows the depth of the water crisis in the country, affecting both rural and urban communities.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has previously warned that due to rapid urbanization and climate change, Kabul’s groundwater resources might be exhausted by 2030, further exacerbating the water shortage crisis. Such a situation poses severe risks to the population, particularly children, who are most vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Afghanistan is among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges like droughts, devastating floods, and the ongoing water shortage. These environmental factors threaten the country’s future, making it urgent for both local and international efforts to address the water crisis.
In light of the growing water scarcity, it is crucial that international organizations, governments, and local communities collaborate on sustainable water management practices to mitigate the crisis. Improving water infrastructure, enhancing water conservation efforts, and addressing the effects of climate change will be essential to securing a better future for the people of Afghanistan.
The post ICRC on World Water Day: Access to water a major challenge for 33 million in Afghanistan appeared first on Khaama Press.