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AROUND THE WORLD 4: Water Borne Diseases In Pakistan

According to health officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, an outbreak of water borne diseases has affected areas of Pakistan's southern province of Sindh. The cause of the outbreak is related to polluted domestic water. Because of the polluted waters, more than 1,100 people have been treated for health problems during the past two weeks. Dr. Masood Solangi, deputy director of the provincial health department, noted that 300 people, mostly children, were admitted to various hospitals. He also asserted that the polluted water supply is beyond the jurisdiction of the health department, so other measures should be taken to control the situation.

Historically, the high summer temperatures in Sindh have caused diarrhea and other health problems, particularly in children. In 2004, more than 30 people, mostly children, died from ingesting polluted water in Hyderbad, Pakistan.

Health officials have taken measures to create health awareness campaigns in print media throughout the province. These campaigns encourage people to use boiled water for drinking and cooking. According to Dr. Solangi, mobile teams have been dispatched into rural and urban areas to educate the public about basic hygiene. Officials at the World Health Organization noted about 80% of the cases of these seasonal diseases could be avoided by the use of boiled water.

--Written by Jackie O'Neal

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