Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 16, 2025 Humanitarian aid
More than 212,000 children in Afghanistan are at risk of contracting acute watery diarrhea and other dangerous waterborne diseases, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The increased risk of infection outbreaks is linked to consequences of the earthquake, which occurred on August 31 in eastern Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan.
The tremors destroyed water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in the affected areas.
"The earthquake destroyed homes and claimed many lives, and now threatens to take even more through disease," said UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan Tajudeen Oyewale.
He noted that children in the affected areas live in overcrowded camps or temporary shelters without access to toilets and safe water.
"These are 'perfect' conditions for an impending health disaster," Oyewale stressed.
Diseases that can be prevented
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acute watery diarrhea is one of the three leading causes of death among children under five years of age, claiming the lives of more than 400,000 children each year.
At the same time, as the WHO notes, the disease can be prevented with clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene products – these are the basic conditions now thousands of families in Afghanistan are displaced.
According to UNICEF, the earthquake destroyed 132 water sources, leaving many families without access to handwashing or safe water. In 80 percent of communities, people are forced to relieve themselves outdoors, as most toilets were also destroyed. The lack of soap and other hygiene products increases the risk of infection.
Health facilities are already reporting an increase in cases of dehydration and skin diseases, UNICEF warns.
Funding is urgently needed
UNICEF supports communities in over 60 countries, helping prevent diseases and improve sanitation. In affected areas of Afghanistan, the agency installs temporary latrines, distributes hygiene kits, and delivers drinking water by tanker truck, while simultaneously rebuilding damaged water systems.
However, according to the organization, donors have only provided half of the $21.6 million needed for the emergency response. UNICEF is calling on international partners to provide funds quickly.
The World Food Programme (WFP) also is experiencing a funding shortage – amounting to $622 million over the next six months. WFP operations are at risk not only in Afghanistan, but also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Currently, less than 10 percent of the millions of Afghans in need receive WFP food assistance.
UNICEF and its partners warn that without urgent investment, efforts to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe will be on the brink of collapse.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.