Drought in Afghanistan

Drought and conflict have been devastating for Afghanistan’s drinking water. Access to safe water has been limited even before US-led bombing commenced in October 2001. The lack of safe drinking water also makes diarrhea and dysentery more of a threat. Disease outbreaks were not met with the traditional means of community education on hygiene and communication campaigns since the Taliban dismantled those women-led structures. By the time the campaign on Afghanistan was underway in 2001, the country had been experiencing its worst drought in 30 years. Well drilling and water delivery have been undertaken by foreign NGOs to help make safe water available. The areas of Maywand and Khakrez have particularly been impacted by these problems. They traditionally rely on water from underground water sources or shallow water wells, but these sources have been damaged and truncated. Irrigation for food production has also been more difficult to obtain and as a result food production has suffered. Severe food shortages now face the country and Oxfam says 5 million could experience extreme food shortages and possible starvation. Delivery of aid and water relief has been complicated as infrastructure and supply routes are under continued attack. While the focus on Afghanistan policy has been on the insurgency and political security, food security has been getting little attention. A humanitarian crisis looms for Afganistan. Can the US escalate its battle against continued suffering and public health crises in Afghanistan? Will the focus on the troubles of Afghanistan incorporate the pressing need for action to remove the circumstances that make starvation and disease too real of a threat for millions in Afghanistan?