http://www.irinnews.org en-us IRIN 2009 Humanitarian news and analysis from Afghanistan in Pashto IRIN Radio Listen to unique daily news and features in Pashto from our network of correspondents plus interviews and debate. Listen to unique daily news and features in Pashto from our network of correspondents plus interviews and debate. IRIN Talks IRINRadio@irinnews.org Ali Minayar Drop in wheat price worries farmers, pleases consumers Farmers in Afghanistan's top cereal-producing provinces worry that the decline in wheat prices will push them into poverty, while urban consumers welcome the fall. A bumper harvest - more than 6 million MT of cereals - has been forecast this year, largely owing to better rainfall and increased wheat cultivation across the country, according to the FAO. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. Farmers in Afghanistan's top cereal-producing provinces worry that the decline in wheat prices will push them into poverty, while urban consumers welcome the fall. A bumper harvest - more than 6 million MT of cereals - has been forecast this year, largely owing to better rainfall and increased wheat cultivation across the country, according to the FAO. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Drop_in_wheat_price_worries_farmers_pleases_consumers2_26082009.mp3 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:21:53 GMT 03:38 Afghanistan Ali Minayar High risk humanitarianism Safe humanitarian space is contested terrain in Afghanistan, where the independence and impartiality of aid work comes under daily challenge in the country’s ongoing conflict. Dozens of aid workers have been killed, kidnapped and threatened over the past few years and attacks on aid convoys and facilities have risen steadily. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. Safe humanitarian space is contested terrain in Afghanistan, where the independence and impartiality of aid work comes under daily challenge in the country’s ongoing conflict. Dozens of aid workers have been killed, kidnapped and threatened over the past few years and attacks on aid convoys and facilities have risen steadily. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/High_risk_humanitarianism_25082009.mp3 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:59:40 GMT 05:28 Afghanistan Ali Minayar After the floods, malaria? Stagnant water in flood-affected parts of Afghanistan is the perfect breeding ground for malarial mosquitoes, health specialists warn. Afghanistan is considered to have the fourth largest malaria burden worldwide with an estimated annual incidence of 18 cases per 1,000 people in 2007, according to the UN World Health Organization. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. Stagnant water in flood-affected parts of Afghanistan is the perfect breeding ground for malarial mosquitoes, health specialists warn. Afghanistan is considered to have the fourth largest malaria burden worldwide with an estimated annual incidence of 18 cases per 1,000 people in 2007, according to the UN World Health Organization. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/After_the_floods_malaria_2_10082009.mp3 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:22:22 GMT 04:17 Afghanistan Ali Minayar Fighting stubborn polio virus Despite efforts since 1980 to eradicate polio from Afghanistan, the disease is still prevalent. At least 10 children have been infected with polio in the past six months, according to health officials. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. Despite efforts since 1980 to eradicate polio from Afghanistan, the disease is still prevalent. At least 10 children have been infected with polio in the past six months, according to health officials. IRIN’s Ali Minayar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Fighting_stubborn_polio_virus2_29072009.mp3 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:05:09 GMT 04:08 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Locals have vital role in aid delivery – ARCS While insecurity diminishing the humanitarian space in Afghanistan some aid agencies ask locals to assist them in aid delivery. Afghanistan Red Crescent Society says local people can play a vital role in aid delivery and distribution in the unsecured areas where aid bodies have limited or no access. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. While insecurity diminishing the humanitarian space in Afghanistan some aid agencies ask locals to assist them in aid delivery. Afghanistan Red Crescent Society says local people can play a vital role in aid delivery and distribution in the unsecured areas where aid bodies have limited or no access. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Locals_have_vital_role_in_aid_delivery__ARCS2_17062009.mp3 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:35:46 GMT 04:43 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Norway focuses aid on Faryab province Faryab province has received some $100 million in aid from the Norwegian government over the past six years, spent mostly on education and rural development. But still people in Faryab say food insecurity and unemployment are their main problems. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. Faryab province has received some $100 million in aid from the Norwegian government over the past six years, spent mostly on education and rural development. But still people in Faryab say food insecurity and unemployment are their main problems. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Norway_focuses_aid_on_Faryab_province2_10062009.mp3 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:23:45 GMT 05:12 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Health officials call on HIV positive to be alert over TB People living with HIV and with suspected tuberculosis symptoms are being urged by health officials to go to hospital for quick diagnosis and treatment. TB can be devastating for those infected by HIV, though the stigma surrounding the virus deters patients from coming forward. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. People living with HIV and with suspected tuberculosis symptoms are being urged by health officials to go to hospital for quick diagnosis and treatment. TB can be devastating for those infected by HIV, though the stigma surrounding the virus deters patients from coming forward. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Health_o1.mp3 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:20:56 GMT 05:07 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Using clinics as polling stations "not a good idea" - ICRC The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern over the use of health facilities for voter registration or as polling stations in Afghanistan's upcoming presidential elections, saying this could jeopardise the security of health workers and put patients at risk. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern over the use of health facilities for voter registration or as polling stations in Afghanistan's upcoming presidential elections, saying this could jeopardise the security of health workers and put patients at risk. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Using_clinics_as_polling_stations_not_a_good_idea__ICRC2_28052009.mp3 Thu, 28 May 2009 10:34:54 GMT 04:00 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Lack of safe drinking water in Kabul Seven out of every 10 inhabitants of Kabul City do not have access to clean drinking water, Kabul Municipality officials estimate. They are warning of a looming crisis if the issue is not properly addressed in the next three years. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. Seven out of every 10 inhabitants of Kabul City do not have access to clean drinking water, Kabul Municipality officials estimate. They are warning of a looming crisis if the issue is not properly addressed in the next three years. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Lack_of_safe_drinking_water_in_Kabul2_27052009.mp3 Wed, 27 May 2009 11:24:06 GMT 04:30 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Flood emergency declared Floods in various parts of the country have killed more than 100 people and caused major economic losses in some provinces. Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority has declared a state of emergency and says it is working round the clock to respond to the needs of affected people. But the flood victims are calling for emergency aid, as IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Floods in various parts of the country have killed more than 100 people and caused major economic losses in some provinces. Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority has declared a state of emergency and says it is working round the clock to respond to the needs of affected people. But the flood victims are calling for emergency aid, as IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Flood_emergency_declared2_26052009.mp3 Tue, 26 May 2009 10:14:31 GMT 02:38 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Kuchis and Hazaras may fight again, human rights group warns Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has warned that tensions may erupt between Hazara locals and Kuchi nomads in central parts of the country. Conflict over land and grazing has resulted in deadly fighting between the tribes over the past three years. Government officials have acknowledged their failure to settle the ongoing dispute. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has warned that tensions may erupt between Hazara locals and Kuchi nomads in central parts of the country. Conflict over land and grazing has resulted in deadly fighting between the tribes over the past three years. Government officials have acknowledged their failure to settle the ongoing dispute. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Kuchis_and_Hazaras_may_fight_again_human_rights_group_warns2_26052009.mp3 Tue, 26 May 2009 07:22:05 GMT 04:24 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Health and sanitation woes in makeshift IDP camps Poor sanitation is threatening the lives of huge numbers of displaced people living in makeshift camps across the country. Health workers say conditions for at least a quarter of a million such people are unacceptable. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Poor sanitation is threatening the lives of huge numbers of displaced people living in makeshift camps across the country. Health workers say conditions for at least a quarter of a million such people are unacceptable. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Health_and_sanitation_woes_in_makeshift_IDP_camps2_19052009.mp3 Tue, 19 May 2009 08:35:05 GMT 05:51 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Food aid not reaching most vulnerable women and children More than half a million of the most vulnerable women and children in Afghanistan are yet to receive vital food aid, despite an emergency appeal for the funds needed. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. More than half a million of the most vulnerable women and children in Afghanistan are yet to receive vital food aid, despite an emergency appeal for the funds needed. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Food_aid_not_reaching_most_vulnerable_women_and_children2_05052009.mp3 Tue, 05 May 2009 04:22:52 GMT 05:19 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Insecurity, lack of cash threaten development projects Lack of funds and insecurity are disrupting projects planned by the National Solidarity Programme, a national community-based development initiative. The government says the programme needs $200 million to complete 20,000 small projects in the coming five months. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Lack of funds and insecurity are disrupting projects planned by the National Solidarity Programme, a national community-based development initiative. The government says the programme needs $200 million to complete 20,000 small projects in the coming five months. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Insecuri1.mp3 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:12:01 GMT 04:41 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Insecurity, lack of cash threaten development projects Lack of funds and insecurity are disrupting projects planned by the National Solidarity Programme, a national community-based development initiative. The government says the programme needs $200 million to complete 20,000 small projects in the coming five months. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Lack of funds and insecurity are disrupting projects planned by the National Solidarity Programme, a national community-based development initiative. The government says the programme needs $200 million to complete 20,000 small projects in the coming five months. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Insecurity_lack_of_cash_threaten_development_projects3_27042009.mp3 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:57:28 GMT 04:40 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Insecurity, lack of cash threaten development projects Lack of funds and insecurity are disrupting projects planned by the National Solidarity Programme, a national community-based development initiative. The government says the programme needs $200 million to complete 20,000 small projects in the coming five months. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Lack of funds and insecurity are disrupting projects planned by the National Solidarity Programme, a national community-based development initiative. The government says the programme needs $200 million to complete 20,000 small projects in the coming five months. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Insecurity_lack_of_cash_threaten_development_projects2_27042009.mp3 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:18:04 GMT 04:40 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Poor families’ bad diet exacerbates health problems Impoverished Afghan families are being forced to buy cheap food such as spoiled meat despite the health risks, government health official say. IRN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Impoverished Afghan families are being forced to buy cheap food such as spoiled meat despite the health risks, government health official say. IRN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Poor_families_bad_diet_exacerbates_health_problems2_26042009.mp3 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:25:13 GMT 03:10 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Shelter, water urgently needed in quake-affected Nangarhar Hundreds of earthquake-affected people in Nangarhar province, eastern Afghanistan, are in urgent need of shelter and drinking water, aid workers and local residents say. Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority’s latest figures show 21 people were killed, 59 wounded and some 500 families affected by the quake. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Hundreds of earthquake-affected people in Nangarhar province, eastern Afghanistan, are in urgent need of shelter and drinking water, aid workers and local residents say. Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority’s latest figures show 21 people were killed, 59 wounded and some 500 families affected by the quake. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Shelter_water_urgently_needed_in_quake_affected_Nangarhar2_20042009.mp3 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:01:55 GMT 03:58 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Hepatitis B cases on the rise Local officials have expressed concern over dozens of new cases of hepatitis B in northern and southwestern Afghanistan. They say lack of awareness about the disease and inadequate prevention measures are to blame. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. Local officials have expressed concern over dozens of new cases of hepatitis B in northern and southwestern Afghanistan. They say lack of awareness about the disease and inadequate prevention measures are to blame. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Hepatitis_B_cases_on_the_rise2_16042009.mp3 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:36:26 GMT 05:29 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Returnees, displaced communities at higher risk of landmines Afghanistan marked the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance to Mine Action on 4 April amid reports that landmines and other explosives kill 2-3 people daily in the country. The UN Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA) says most of the victims are returnees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have little or no awareness about mine risk. Last year, mines and other explosives claimed the lives of 752 people, most of them children, officials say. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Afghanistan marked the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance to Mine Action on 4 April amid reports that landmines and other explosives kill 2-3 people daily in the country. The UN Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA) says most of the victims are returnees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have little or no awareness about mine risk. Last year, mines and other explosives claimed the lives of 752 people, most of them children, officials say. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Returnees_displaced_communities_at_higher_risk_of_landmines2_05042009.mp3 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:25:40 GMT 04:50 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Negotiations reopen dozens of schools in south The reopening of 81 schools in the volatile southern provinces has enabled over 50,000 students to reclaim their right to educations, according to Afghan Ministry of Education (MoE). These schools were shut due to attacks and intimidations by insurgents in the last four years. The breakthrough has been achieved through sensitive negotiations initiated by the MoE and conducted between local tribal elders, religious scholars and insurgent groups. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. The reopening of 81 schools in the volatile southern provinces has enabled over 50,000 students to reclaim their right to educations, according to Afghan Ministry of Education (MoE). These schools were shut due to attacks and intimidations by insurgents in the last four years. The breakthrough has been achieved through sensitive negotiations initiated by the MoE and conducted between local tribal elders, religious scholars and insurgent groups. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Negotiations_reopen_dozens_of_schools_in_south2_30032009.mp3 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 06:43:12 GMT 04:15 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Insurgents claim no opposition with polio immunization The UN and the Afghan Ministry of Public Health have said some 200,000 children, mostly in Afghanistan's southern provinces, have missed out on polio immunisation over the past years. Insecurity, largely resulting from insurgency-related violence, has impeded aid delivery, health activities and immunisation efforts in large swathes of the country. A Taliban spokesman rejected reports the insurgents block immunisation activities. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. The UN and the Afghan Ministry of Public Health have said some 200,000 children, mostly in Afghanistan's southern provinces, have missed out on polio immunisation over the past years. Insecurity, largely resulting from insurgency-related violence, has impeded aid delivery, health activities and immunisation efforts in large swathes of the country. A Taliban spokesman rejected reports the insurgents block immunisation activities. IRIN’s Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Insurgents_claim_no_opposition_with_polio_immunization_26032009.mp3 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:50:21 GMT 03:47 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Lucrative fruit farming devastated by years of conflict Large communities of Afghan farmers used to earn a good living from growing and exporting fresh and dried fruits, but conflict has eroded this once thriving industry. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Large communities of Afghan farmers used to earn a good living from growing and exporting fresh and dried fruits, but conflict has eroded this once thriving industry. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Lucrativ1.mp3 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:49:03 GMT 06:07 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Lucrative fruit farming devastated by years of conflict Large communities of Afghan farmers used to earn a good living from growing and exporting fresh and dried fruits, but conflict has eroded this once thriving industry. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Large communities of Afghan farmers used to earn a good living from growing and exporting fresh and dried fruits, but conflict has eroded this once thriving industry. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Lucrative_fruit_farming_devastated_by_years_of_conflict2_23032009.mp3 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:36:41 GMT 06:07 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Cold season takes its toll on health Health facilities across the country have been inundated with patients for the last two months, with as many as 2,000 a day suffering from respiratory diseases. The Ministry of Public Health reports between one and four deaths a day. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. Health facilities across the country have been inundated with patients for the last two months, with as many as 2,000 a day suffering from respiratory diseases. The Ministry of Public Health reports between one and four deaths a day. IRIN’s Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Cold_season_takes_its_toll_on_health2_23032009.mp3 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:34:10 GMT 04:49 Afghanistan Ayub Farhat Deforestation marches on Almost all the forest in eastern Nangarhar province has disappeared over the last two decades, with just an estimated 10 per cent left. Experts say this environmental degradation will have a huge impact on local people’s lives, as IRIN correspondent Ayub Farhat reports. Almost all the forest in eastern Nangarhar province has disappeared over the last two decades, with just an estimated 10 per cent left. Experts say this environmental degradation will have a huge impact on local people’s lives, as IRIN correspondent Ayub Farhat reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Deforestation_marches_on2_22032009.mp3 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 06:20:39 GMT 05:23 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Government promises improved flood response Government officials say they have sent food and non-food items to 17 flood-prone provinces as the rainy season begins. Ten people were killed and hundreds of homes destroyed in flash floods in Balkh and Herat earlier this year. But the government says it is better prepared than in previous years to respond to flood disaster, as IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Government officials say they have sent food and non-food items to 17 flood-prone provinces as the rainy season begins. Ten people were killed and hundreds of homes destroyed in flash floods in Balkh and Herat earlier this year. But the government says it is better prepared than in previous years to respond to flood disaster, as IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Government_promises_improved_flood_response2_18032009.mp3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:37:09 GMT 04:25 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Broken promises on winter food aid for the hungry Less than one third of the food the government promised to deliver to hungry communities during the winter has been delivered. The government is being accused of poor planning and incompetence, as IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Less than one third of the food the government promised to deliver to hungry communities during the winter has been delivered. The government is being accused of poor planning and incompetence, as IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Broken_promises_on_winter_food_aid_for_the_hungry2_12032009.mp3 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:42:16 GMT 06:56 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Displaced from conflict in northwest in urgent need of aid Fighting in Moqor district has forced hundreds of people to flee their homes in this part of northwestern Badghis Province. The Afghan Red Crescent says the displaced are living in desperate conditions in Qala-i-Naw, the provincial capital, where they need urgent help. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Fighting in Moqor district has forced hundreds of people to flee their homes in this part of northwestern Badghis Province. The Afghan Red Crescent says the displaced are living in desperate conditions in Qala-i-Naw, the provincial capital, where they need urgent help. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Displaced_from_conflict_in_northwest_in_urgent_need_of_aid2_05032009.mp3 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:49:08 GMT 02:46 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai War plagues the lives of civilians The worsening armed conflict in Afghanistan is taking an ever increasing toll on civilians, aid agencies report. The war killed over 2,100 non-combatants in 2008 and displaced thousands of others, as well as preventing the delivery of essential services. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports on the effects of conflict on civilians in the volatile southern provinces. The worsening armed conflict in Afghanistan is taking an ever increasing toll on civilians, aid agencies report. The war killed over 2,100 non-combatants in 2008 and displaced thousands of others, as well as preventing the delivery of essential services. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports on the effects of conflict on civilians in the volatile southern provinces. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/War_plagues_the_lives_of_civilians2_04032009.mp3 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:24:11 GMT 04:21 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Animal husbandry eroded over two harsh decades Livestock rearing and the livelihoods of herder communities have been severely eroded over the past 20 years, due to extreme weather, shrinking pastures, and rampant cattle diseases. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Livestock rearing and the livelihoods of herder communities have been severely eroded over the past 20 years, due to extreme weather, shrinking pastures, and rampant cattle diseases. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Animal_h1.mp3 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:52:52 GMT 04:44 Afghanistan Ayub Farhat Plight of child workers on Pakistani border Up to 1,600 Afghan children, aged from eight to 17, are involved in wage labour in the Torkham border area, according to aid agencies and provincial authorities. The children are being paid to carry or push heavy goods and sometimes to smuggle goods over the border. According to child rights activists, they are vulnerable to physical, psychological and sexual abuse. IRIN correspondent Ayub Farhat reports. Up to 1,600 Afghan children, aged from eight to 17, are involved in wage labour in the Torkham border area, according to aid agencies and provincial authorities. The children are being paid to carry or push heavy goods and sometimes to smuggle goods over the border. According to child rights activists, they are vulnerable to physical, psychological and sexual abuse. IRIN correspondent Ayub Farhat reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Plight_of_child_workers_on_Pakistani_border2_24022009.mp3 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:50:47 GMT 06:31 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi How antenatal and postnatal care protects women and their babies Afghanistan has very high rates of maternal mortality, with many women dying from complications before, during and after childbirth. In this special programme by IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi, health experts answer questions from ordinary Afghan women in different provinces about antenatal and postnatal care. Afghanistan has very high rates of maternal mortality, with many women dying from complications before, during and after childbirth. In this special programme by IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi, health experts answer questions from ordinary Afghan women in different provinces about antenatal and postnatal care. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/How_antenatal_and_postnatal_care_protects_women_and_their_babies2_22022009.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:33:08 GMT 07:26 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Poor quality fuel leads to accidents The number of accidents in the home caused by poor quality gas and fuel products has risen substantially. Last month in Kabul, officials recorded 70 cases of women and children suffering burns from accidents involving cooking and heating products. There are calls for a ban on imports of cheap, potentially dangerous fuel products. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. The number of accidents in the home caused by poor quality gas and fuel products has risen substantially. Last month in Kabul, officials recorded 70 cases of women and children suffering burns from accidents involving cooking and heating products. There are calls for a ban on imports of cheap, potentially dangerous fuel products. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Poor_quality_fuel_leads_to_accidents2_17022009.mp3 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:13:37 GMT 05:45 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi HIV risks for Afghan migrants in Iran Health officials have expressed concern about the high risk behaviour of Afghan male migrants in Iran and their exposure to HIV. Every year tens of thousands of illegal Afghan single male migrants are deported from Iran, where many have turned to drug abuse or commercial sex workers. They have little or no access to HIV/AIDS education and testing facilities. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. Health officials have expressed concern about the high risk behaviour of Afghan male migrants in Iran and their exposure to HIV. Every year tens of thousands of illegal Afghan single male migrants are deported from Iran, where many have turned to drug abuse or commercial sex workers. They have little or no access to HIV/AIDS education and testing facilities. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/HIV_risk1.mp3 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:58:26 GMT 05:28 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Rice production up in eastern province Local farmers produced five times more rice in 2008 as compared to the previous year. Agricultural officials attribute the dramatic increase to better seeds, technical input and favourable weather. The bumper harvest is a rare piece of good news in a country where drought, conflict and high food prices have pushed millions into food insecurity. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Local farmers produced five times more rice in 2008 as compared to the previous year. Agricultural officials attribute the dramatic increase to better seeds, technical input and favourable weather. The bumper harvest is a rare piece of good news in a country where drought, conflict and high food prices have pushed millions into food insecurity. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Rice_production_up_in_eastern_province2_08022009.mp3 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:22:37 GMT 05:14 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Campaign to kick out polio steps up in 2009 The World Health Organisation says it will step up the fight against polio in Afghanistan this year, with six nationwide and 12 regional polio immunisation drives planned for 2009. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. The World Health Organisation says it will step up the fight against polio in Afghanistan this year, with six nationwide and 12 regional polio immunisation drives planned for 2009. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Campaign_to_kick_out_polio_steps_up_in_2009_04022009.mp3 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:50:46 GMT 05:28 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Humanitarian crisis averted, says Red Cross The International Committee of the Red Cross says there are no signs of large numbers of people abandoning their homes in the northern provinces this winter, as had been feared. IRIN's Masoud Popalzai reports. The International Committee of the Red Cross says there are no signs of large numbers of people abandoning their homes in the northern provinces this winter, as had been feared. IRIN's Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Humanitarian_crisis_averted_says_Red_Cross2_03022009.mp3 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:22:11 GMT 05:55 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Can the country pay for its health care? Health care has greatly improved over the last five years but as more Afghans enjoy basic health services there are concerns over future funding. More than 70% of basic health services are delivered by donor-funded aid agencies. What will happen if those agencies leave? IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Health care has greatly improved over the last five years but as more Afghans enjoy basic health services there are concerns over future funding. More than 70% of basic health services are delivered by donor-funded aid agencies. What will happen if those agencies leave? IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Can_the_country_pay_for_its_health_care_01022009.mp3 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:48:17 GMT 07:44 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Extra vaccine added to child immunisation programme The government has added the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine to the regular infant immunisation programme. The vaccine provides protection against a bacteria that is a leading cause of childhood meningitis and pneumonia. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. The government has added the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine to the regular infant immunisation programme. The vaccine provides protection against a bacteria that is a leading cause of childhood meningitis and pneumonia. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Extra_vaccine_added_to_child_immunisation_programme2_22012009.mp3 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:48:23 GMT 03:54 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Returnees' children suffer pneumonia at Nangarhar camps Some 3,000 children have been diagnosed with pneumonia, with six reported deaths, in hospitals in Jalalabad, capital of eastern Nangahar province. Most are said to be the children of refugees returned from Pakistan and are living in tented settlements, where their parents cannot afford to keep them warm. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Some 3,000 children have been diagnosed with pneumonia, with six reported deaths, in hospitals in Jalalabad, capital of eastern Nangahar province. Most are said to be the children of refugees returned from Pakistan and are living in tented settlements, where their parents cannot afford to keep them warm. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Returnees_children_suffer_pneumonia_at_Nangarhar_camps2_21012009.mp3 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:04:12 GMT 05:47 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Red Crescent drafts earthquake plans For the first time Afghanistan has a comprehensive earthquake contingency plan, developed by the Afghan Red Crescent Society. There have been four earthquakes over the last month in different parts of the country. It is hoped the new plan will help reduce the risks in future. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. For the first time Afghanistan has a comprehensive earthquake contingency plan, developed by the Afghan Red Crescent Society. There have been four earthquakes over the last month in different parts of the country. It is hoped the new plan will help reduce the risks in future. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Red_Crescent_drafts_earthquake_plans2_20012009.mp3 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:36:05 GMT 05:53 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Stray dogs raise fear of rabies in Kabul Fears are growing in Kabul of the spread of rabies, with the increasing number of rabid dogs roaming densely populated residential areas. If a person is bitten by a rabid dog it can prove fatal. The city’s municipal authorities are looking at ways of controlling the stray dogs. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. Fears are growing in Kabul of the spread of rabies, with the increasing number of rabid dogs roaming densely populated residential areas. If a person is bitten by a rabid dog it can prove fatal. The city’s municipal authorities are looking at ways of controlling the stray dogs. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Stray_do2.mp3 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:33:03 GMT 03:39 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi "Local integration" key to displacement problems – report Aid agencies and the government must focus on integrating displaced people into their host communities, according to a report by an internally displaced persons (IDP) task force comprising government bodies, NGOs and the UN. Currently 235,000 IDPs live in different provinces in Afghanistan. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. Aid agencies and the government must focus on integrating displaced people into their host communities, according to a report by an internally displaced persons (IDP) task force comprising government bodies, NGOs and the UN. Currently 235,000 IDPs live in different provinces in Afghanistan. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/_Local_integration_key_to_displacement_problems__report2_08012009.mp3 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:40:23 GMT 06:19 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Food for work projects stop during winter Over four million people in different parts of the country have benefited from WFP's food for work projects this year. These projects are implemented in the rural districts by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). The projects’ beneficiaries, however, say they are concerned to hear that the MRRD says it will stop food for work projects during the winter season. IRIN's Masooma Mohammdi reports. Over four million people in different parts of the country have benefited from WFP's food for work projects this year. These projects are implemented in the rural districts by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). The projects’ beneficiaries, however, say they are concerned to hear that the MRRD says it will stop food for work projects during the winter season. IRIN's Masooma Mohammdi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Food_for1.mp3 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:27:00 GMT 04:49 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Concerns over shortage of certified seeds Farmers and aid workers have voiced concern about the lack of certified wheat seeds for the next cultivation season. The Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock says that about 20 percent of 2.5 million Afghan farmers in 14 provinces (mostly in drought-affected areas) would receive some kind of assistance, including certified seeds and fertilisers. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. Farmers and aid workers have voiced concern about the lack of certified wheat seeds for the next cultivation season. The Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock says that about 20 percent of 2.5 million Afghan farmers in 14 provinces (mostly in drought-affected areas) would receive some kind of assistance, including certified seeds and fertilisers. IRIN’s Masoud Popalzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Concerns_over_shortage_of_certified_seeds2_29122008.mp3 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:23:16 GMT 03:31 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Concerns over TB outbreak in winter Afghan health officials are warning of the likely spread of tuberculosis (TB) as families seek warmth this winter by living and sleeping in one room. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Afghan health officials are warning of the likely spread of tuberculosis (TB) as families seek warmth this winter by living and sleeping in one room. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Concerns1.mp3 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:54:13 GMT 04:45 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar How food insecurity affects your health Certain cheap and accessible foods may be beneficial in ensuring good health, especially where other food products are in short supply. In this programme by IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar, health experts answer questions from local people in different provinces on food and health. Certain cheap and accessible foods may be beneficial in ensuring good health, especially where other food products are in short supply. In this programme by IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar, health experts answer questions from local people in different provinces on food and health. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/How_food1.mp3 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:09:09 GMT 03:58 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Reconstruction projects shut down in 40 districts Worsening security has forced the closure of reconstruction and development projects in 11 provinces, including the volatile Helmand, Zabul and Uruzgan, according to officials. Locals claim that insurgents have tried to divert resources intended for such projects for military purposes. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Worsening security has forced the closure of reconstruction and development projects in 11 provinces, including the volatile Helmand, Zabul and Uruzgan, according to officials. Locals claim that insurgents have tried to divert resources intended for such projects for military purposes. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Reconstruction_projects_shut_down_in_40_districts2_16122008.mp3 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:09:51 GMT 05:15 Afghanistan Parwin Arzo Families suffer as drought hits northern Balkh More than 70,000 families are in dire need of food aid in northern Balkh, one of the provinces hardest hit by drought. IRIN correspondent Parwin Arzo visited Chemtal district of Balkh province and sent this report. More than 70,000 families are in dire need of food aid in northern Balkh, one of the provinces hardest hit by drought. IRIN correspondent Parwin Arzo visited Chemtal district of Balkh province and sent this report. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Families_suffer_as_drought_hits_northern_Balkh2_15122008.mp3 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:02:24 GMT 04:48 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Qasim Khan's story: defying disability Many disabled people are forced by poverty and lack of opportunity to beg on the streets of Afghanistan’s major towns and cities. To mark the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December, IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar spoke to Qasim Khan and asked him to describe the challenges affecting his daily life. Many disabled people are forced by poverty and lack of opportunity to beg on the streets of Afghanistan’s major towns and cities. To mark the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December, IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar spoke to Qasim Khan and asked him to describe the challenges affecting his daily life. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Qasim_Khan_s_story_defying_disability_04122008.mp3 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:14:26 GMT 03:05 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Nazia’s story: defying threats in her job as health worker Armed attacks and threats against health workers are jeopardising progress made on reducing infant mortality in Afghanistan. Nazia, a female health worker in Kandahar Province, told IRIN about the threats she has been receiving to quit her job. Armed attacks and threats against health workers are jeopardising progress made on reducing infant mortality in Afghanistan. Nazia, a female health worker in Kandahar Province, told IRIN about the threats she has been receiving to quit her job. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Nazia_s_story_defying_threats_in_her_job_as_health_worker_02122008.mp3 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:03:12 GMT 03:07 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai School student "refugees" struggling in Lashkargah Armed attacks on schools, teachers and students in troubled Helmand province have forced large numbers of children to flee to neighbouring Lashkargah, hoping to be able to continue their schooling there. But Lashkargah is struggling to absorb this influx, leaving many of these children in very difficult circumstances. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. Armed attacks on schools, teachers and students in troubled Helmand province have forced large numbers of children to flee to neighbouring Lashkargah, hoping to be able to continue their schooling there. But Lashkargah is struggling to absorb this influx, leaving many of these children in very difficult circumstances. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/School_student_refugees_struggling_in_Lashkargah2_01122008.mp3 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:25:57 GMT 05:37 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Mobile teams to avert health problems this winter Mobile teams are to provide emergency health services in rural areas cut off by snow this winter, the government says. More than 2,000 people died last winter of conditions related to the cold. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. Mobile teams are to provide emergency health services in rural areas cut off by snow this winter, the government says. More than 2,000 people died last winter of conditions related to the cold. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Mobile_teams_to_avert_health_problems_this_winter2_01122008.mp3 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:11:37 GMT 04:38 Afghanistan Khalid Nahiz Displaced from Badghis need food and shelter More than 1,000 farming families who left their homes in Baghdis province because of drought and food shortages are desperately eking out a living in western Herat. Officials there are calling for urgent assistance for these families as winter bites, as IRIN’s Khalid Nahiz reports. More than 1,000 farming families who left their homes in Baghdis province because of drought and food shortages are desperately eking out a living in western Herat. Officials there are calling for urgent assistance for these families as winter bites, as IRIN’s Khalid Nahiz reports. http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Displaced_from_Badghis_need_food_and_shelter_01122008.mp3 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:57:07 GMT 03:45 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Nooristan residents complain of lack of health services People in Nooristan complain they have no access to health services and have to travel to other provinces for treatment. While the government says 80 % of the population has access to basic health care, Nooristan, in the country’s north-east, feels it has been left out. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports... People in Nooristan complain they have no access to health services and have to travel to other provinces for treatment. While the government says 80 % of the population has access to basic health care, Nooristan, in the country’s north-east, feels it has been left out. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports... http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Nooristan_residents_complain_of_lack_of_health_services_18112008.mp3 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:35:32 GMT 05:50 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Landmines and explosives pose threats to returnees Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERWs) pose serious threats to thousands of returnees in the newly established settlements in different parts of Afghanistan. Two children reportedly died and three others were wounded in an explosion in northern Baghlan Province, in October. Landmines and ERWs have also been reported in other returnees' settlements in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar. Provincial officials said mine-clearing agencies had been asked to re-examine areas in Baghlan and Nangarhar provinces for any hazardous explosives. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERWs) pose serious threats to thousands of returnees in the newly established settlements in different parts of Afghanistan. Two children reportedly died and three others were wounded in an explosion in northern Baghlan Province, in October. Landmines and ERWs have also been reported in other returnees' settlements in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar. Provincial officials said mine-clearing agencies had been asked to re-examine areas in Baghlan and Nangarhar provinces for any hazardous explosives. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Landmine1.mp3 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:34:06 GMT 05:35 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Highway truck attacks on the rise Armed attacks on goods vehicles have increased dramatically this year, especially on trucks plying the Kabul-Herat highway. Trucking companies say goods are being stolen or burnt by armed insurgents believing the supplies are destined for the international military forces. Officials say this is contributing to the spiraling of food prices in the south, as IRIN's Zia Entezar reports… Armed attacks on goods vehicles have increased dramatically this year, especially on trucks plying the Kabul-Herat highway. Trucking companies say goods are being stolen or burnt by armed insurgents believing the supplies are destined for the international military forces. Officials say this is contributing to the spiraling of food prices in the south, as IRIN's Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Highway_1.mp3 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:23:18 GMT 04:51 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Call for aid to avert livestock crisis Hundreds of thousands of animals could be lost in the coming six months unless aid agencies urgently provide animal feed, vaccines and water, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation has warned. Over 1.5 million animals (cattle, sheep and goats) – an estimated 10 percent of the country's livestock – have died over the past two years due to cold weather, diseases and lack of fodder and water, according to aid agencies. Some 495,000 herder households rely on livestock as their primary source of food and income. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… Hundreds of thousands of animals could be lost in the coming six months unless aid agencies urgently provide animal feed, vaccines and water, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation has warned. Over 1.5 million animals (cattle, sheep and goats) – an estimated 10 percent of the country's livestock – have died over the past two years due to cold weather, diseases and lack of fodder and water, according to aid agencies. Some 495,000 herder households rely on livestock as their primary source of food and income. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Call_for_aid_to_avert_livestock_crisis_in_Afghanistan2_09112008.mp3 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:52:13 GMT 04:22 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Government to keep roads open in winter The ministries of public works and rural rehabilitation have promised to keep assured all roads across the country open during winter. Heavy snows blocked roads in some provinces and impeded aid delivery to vulnerable communities last winter. The Afghanistan National Disasters Management Authority says humanitarian needs have increased due to drought, conflict and high food prices and road blockages in cold winter months could prompt a crisis. IRIN's Noorullah Stankzai reports… The ministries of public works and rural rehabilitation have promised to keep assured all roads across the country open during winter. Heavy snows blocked roads in some provinces and impeded aid delivery to vulnerable communities last winter. The Afghanistan National Disasters Management Authority says humanitarian needs have increased due to drought, conflict and high food prices and road blockages in cold winter months could prompt a crisis. IRIN's Noorullah Stankzai reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Governme2.mp3 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:50:08 GMT 05:46 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Urgent need to pre-position food aid The Afghan government and aid agencies have not so far pre-positioned adequate relief supplies in some of the most vulnerable areas, increasing the risk of a humanitarian disaster this winter, the Afghanistan National Disasters Management Authority (ANDMA) has said. According to ANDMA heavy snowfall, extremely cold weather, diseases and lack of access to adequate food killed over 2,000 mostly elderly people and children last winter. Officials at ANDMA said 100,000 tones of food aid was needed in the provinces where snowfall blocks roads during winter. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… The Afghan government and aid agencies have not so far pre-positioned adequate relief supplies in some of the most vulnerable areas, increasing the risk of a humanitarian disaster this winter, the Afghanistan National Disasters Management Authority (ANDMA) has said. According to ANDMA heavy snowfall, extremely cold weather, diseases and lack of access to adequate food killed over 2,000 mostly elderly people and children last winter. Officials at ANDMA said 100,000 tones of food aid was needed in the provinces where snowfall blocks roads during winter. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Urgent_need_to_pre_position_food_aid2_03112008.mp3 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:16:01 GMT 04:20 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Children miss out on polio vaccine in insecure areas A nationwide polio immunisation drive which was conducted all over Afghanistan from 19-21 October missed about 120,000 children, mostly in the volatile southern provinces, due to insecurity and threat to health workers, the Health Ministry said. At least 18 polio cases have been reported in Kandahar, Helmand and Urozgan provinces thus far in 2008. The inability of vaccinators to access children in insecure areas could spread the poliovirus among under-five children, health officials warned. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai has more in this report… A nationwide polio immunisation drive which was conducted all over Afghanistan from 19-21 October missed about 120,000 children, mostly in the volatile southern provinces, due to insecurity and threat to health workers, the Health Ministry said. At least 18 polio cases have been reported in Kandahar, Helmand and Urozgan provinces thus far in 2008. The inability of vaccinators to access children in insecure areas could spread the poliovirus among under-five children, health officials warned. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai has more in this report… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Insecurity_deprived_children_of_polio_immunisation_02112008.mp3 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:48:24 GMT 04:58 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Classrooms built for thousands of students in Faryab Province The Norwegian Provincial Reconstruction Team has funded the construction of 82 schools in Faryab Province, northern Afghanistan, which will accommodate more than 1,000 students, according to provincial authorities. Hundreds of schools in different parts of the country do not have buildings and tens of thousands of students study in the open air, the Education Ministry says. The Norwegian model could also work in other provinces provided that donors determine one or two development priorities and channel aid and expertise accordingly, experts said. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… The Norwegian Provincial Reconstruction Team has funded the construction of 82 schools in Faryab Province, northern Afghanistan, which will accommodate more than 1,000 students, according to provincial authorities. Hundreds of schools in different parts of the country do not have buildings and tens of thousands of students study in the open air, the Education Ministry says. The Norwegian model could also work in other provinces provided that donors determine one or two development priorities and channel aid and expertise accordingly, experts said. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Thousands_of_students_find_classrooms_in_Faryab_Province2_02112008.mp3 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:45:59 GMT 05:28 Afghanistan Aziz Ahmad Tasal Abdul Hadi, 37: "War has displaced my family four times in two years" Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced out of their homes by conflict and natural disasters over the past two years. Abdul Hadi's family has been displaced four times in that period by fighting between Taliban insurgents and Afghan and international forces in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Hadi told IRIN about the problems his family has been facing... Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced out of their homes by conflict and natural disasters over the past two years. Abdul Hadi's family has been displaced four times in that period by fighting between Taliban insurgents and Afghan and international forces in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Hadi told IRIN about the problems his family has been facing... http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Abdul_Hadi_37__War_has_displaced_my_family_four_times_in_two_years_28102008.mp3 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:08:41 GMT 03:45 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Security concerns over voter registration process The decision by the Afghan government to use hundreds of medical and educational facilities as voter registration centres has sparked concern about potential security risks to aid workers, students and other civilians. Taliban insurgents have repeatedly threatened they will disrupt the election process by attacking electoral sites and election workers. The insurgents fired a rocket on a health facility used as a voter registration centre in Ghazni Province on 20 October, killing one and wounding several others, local media reported. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… The decision by the Afghan government to use hundreds of medical and educational facilities as voter registration centres has sparked concern about potential security risks to aid workers, students and other civilians. Taliban insurgents have repeatedly threatened they will disrupt the election process by attacking electoral sites and election workers. The insurgents fired a rocket on a health facility used as a voter registration centre in Ghazni Province on 20 October, killing one and wounding several others, local media reported. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Security_concerns_over_voter_registration_process_in_Afghanistan_26102008.mp3 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:44:38 GMT 05:37 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Disability deprives children of education About 200,000 children with disability are living in Afghanistan, but only 25 percent of them attend schools, according to aid agencies. There are virtually no facilities at educational centers around the country for disabled children. The Ministry of Education says its strategy to promote education among disabled children has not been implemented effectively owing to various problems. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports… About 200,000 children with disability are living in Afghanistan, but only 25 percent of them attend schools, according to aid agencies. There are virtually no facilities at educational centers around the country for disabled children. The Ministry of Education says its strategy to promote education among disabled children has not been implemented effectively owing to various problems. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Disabili1.mp3 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:44:27 GMT 05:11 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi War and poverty contribute to human trafficking Over three decades of conflict, poverty, insecurity and lack of social and economic opportunities have contributed to increase human trafficking in Afghanistan. According to the International Organisation for Migration the country has been a source, transit route and destination for human traffickers. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission calls on the government to apply drastic anti-trafficking measures. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… Over three decades of conflict, poverty, insecurity and lack of social and economic opportunities have contributed to increase human trafficking in Afghanistan. According to the International Organisation for Migration the country has been a source, transit route and destination for human traffickers. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission calls on the government to apply drastic anti-trafficking measures. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/War_and_1.mp3 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:56:41 GMT 05:36 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Hand washing can reduce child mortality - health experts Tens of thousands of children across Afghanistan will wash their hands with soap on 15 October, the Global Hand Washing Day. The Ministry of Public Health says hand washing can reduce child mortality and morbidity by up to 50 percent. Preventable diseases such as diarrhoea kill about 50,000 children in the country every year, according to the UN Children's Fund. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… Tens of thousands of children across Afghanistan will wash their hands with soap on 15 October, the Global Hand Washing Day. The Ministry of Public Health says hand washing can reduce child mortality and morbidity by up to 50 percent. Preventable diseases such as diarrhoea kill about 50,000 children in the country every year, according to the UN Children's Fund. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Hand_washing_can_reduce_child_mortality__health_experts_14102008.mp3 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:23:01 GMT 05:38 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Dumping of medical waste from hospitals poses health risks, experts say Hospital waste in cities in Afghanistan is not being properly disposed of and poses serious health risks, experts warn. Medical waste such as used needles and syringes, soiled dressings, and even body parts, is dumped in open rubbish areas around hospitals, where poor children often scavenge for food and reusable items. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… Hospital waste in cities in Afghanistan is not being properly disposed of and poses serious health risks, experts warn. Medical waste such as used needles and syringes, soiled dressings, and even body parts, is dumped in open rubbish areas around hospitals, where poor children often scavenge for food and reusable items. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Medical_2.mp3 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:47:04 GMT 05:40 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Domestic dairy production rises markedly in Afghanistan Domestic dairy productions have increased significantly in Afghanistan over the past six years and a well-managed marketing of these products have improved the livelihoods of many livestock owners in the country, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says. The organisation said it purchases more than 3,000 litres of fresh milk on daily basis and offers cheese, butter, yogurt and other products in a chain of shops in Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz provinces. Officials in the ministry of agriculture hope progress in domestic animals' productions will help tackle poverty among communities involved in animals' husbandry and contribute to overall economic growth in the country. IRIN's radio reporter Masooma Mohammadi reports… Domestic dairy productions have increased significantly in Afghanistan over the past six years and a well-managed marketing of these products have improved the livelihoods of many livestock owners in the country, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says. The organisation said it purchases more than 3,000 litres of fresh milk on daily basis and offers cheese, butter, yogurt and other products in a chain of shops in Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz provinces. Officials in the ministry of agriculture hope progress in domestic animals' productions will help tackle poverty among communities involved in animals' husbandry and contribute to overall economic growth in the country. IRIN's radio reporter Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Domestic2.mp3 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:20:34 GMT 05:16 Afghanistan Noorullha Stanikzai Cannabis production and addiction grows in Afghanistan As the Afghan government, backed by the international community, is trying to eradicate opium poppy cultivation in the country, the production and use of cannabis has increased significantly, health officials said. However the government and its partners have done little to effectively reverse the trend, experts said. Health specialists warn that addiction to cannabis is injurious to peoples' health and deployment. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai has produced this report in Pashto language... As the Afghan government, backed by the international community, is trying to eradicate opium poppy cultivation in the country, the production and use of cannabis has increased significantly, health officials said. However the government and its partners have done little to effectively reverse the trend, experts said. Health specialists warn that addiction to cannabis is injurious to peoples' health and deployment. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai has produced this report in Pashto language... http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Cannabis_production_addiction_grows_in_Afghanistan_08102008.mp3 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:19:57 GMT 04:52 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Calls for a new law to tackle child sexual abuse Rights watchdogs call on the Afghan government to enforce a separate law in order to effectively tackle child sexual exploitation and rape. The victims of sexual abuse must also receive adequate support and protection, child rights activists said. Calls for a new law are made at a time as concerns are mounting about weak judicial procedures to penalize alleged abusers and criminals. At least 30 cases of rape and sexual violence have been reported by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission over the past five months. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… Rights watchdogs call on the Afghan government to enforce a separate law in order to effectively tackle child sexual exploitation and rape. The victims of sexual abuse must also receive adequate support and protection, child rights activists said. Calls for a new law are made at a time as concerns are mounting about weak judicial procedures to penalize alleged abusers and criminals. At least 30 cases of rape and sexual violence have been reported by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission over the past five months. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Calls_fo1.mp3 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:19:18 GMT 05:42 Afghanistan Noorullha Stanikzai Children traumatised by war and violence Fighting and violence in different parts of the country have resulted in children suffering psychological problems, heath experts warn. People and children in particular are worst affected by armed conflict, casualties, strident explosions and other factors associated with war. Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) says it lacks the resources to assess the psychological effects of war on Afghan children. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports… Fighting and violence in different parts of the country have resulted in children suffering psychological problems, heath experts warn. People and children in particular are worst affected by armed conflict, casualties, strident explosions and other factors associated with war. Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) says it lacks the resources to assess the psychological effects of war on Afghan children. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Fighting2.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:19:38 GMT 05:45 Afghanistan Noorullha Stanikzai Dozens of schools closed due to insecurity The new educational year in the warm zones starts while some 600 schools in 45 districts are closed due to attacks by insurgency, officials from Ministry of Education say. Only in southern Zabul Province, 80% of schools are closed. While in Helmand, where 224 schools were open in 2002, only 58 are functioning now. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports… The new educational year in the warm zones starts while some 600 schools in 45 districts are closed due to attacks by insurgency, officials from Ministry of Education say. Only in southern Zabul Province, 80% of schools are closed. While in Helmand, where 224 schools were open in 2002, only 58 are functioning now. IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/The_new_1.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:18:26 GMT 06:13 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Educated mothers contribute to reducing child mortality, survey says A survey recently conducted by Bid Med, an international medical think thank, in Kabul City indicates that over 70% of diarrhoeal diseases in children are associated with uneducated mothers. According to Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) annually over 50,000 children die from diarrhoeal diseases. The survey, which was executed by Afghan and Japanese researchers, has found out that a lack of education of mothers is significantly linked with child health and nutrition variable in the country. Confirming the results of the survey MoPH says a lack of education of mothers not only results in dying children, but also claims the lives of mothers themselves. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… A survey recently conducted by Bid Med, an international medical think thank, in Kabul City indicates that over 70% of diarrhoeal diseases in children are associated with uneducated mothers. According to Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) annually over 50,000 children die from diarrhoeal diseases. The survey, which was executed by Afghan and Japanese researchers, has found out that a lack of education of mothers is significantly linked with child health and nutrition variable in the country. Confirming the results of the survey MoPH says a lack of education of mothers not only results in dying children, but also claims the lives of mothers themselves. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/A_survey1.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:03 GMT 06:20 Afghanistan Noorullha Stanikzai Polio eradicated in north, still virulent in south The Ministry of Public Health and the UN World Health Organisation have reported a virtual eradication of poliovirus in the 10 northern and central provinces in Afghanistan. No polio case has been reported in the north of the country over the past three years. The progress is made at a time when 16 polio cases have been reported so far in 2008 in the volatile south and southeast of the country. Poliovirus has been eradicated all over the world except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria, according to World Health Organisation. Here is a report by IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai... The Ministry of Public Health and the UN World Health Organisation have reported a virtual eradication of poliovirus in the 10 northern and central provinces in Afghanistan. No polio case has been reported in the north of the country over the past three years. The progress is made at a time when 16 polio cases have been reported so far in 2008 in the volatile south and southeast of the country. Poliovirus has been eradicated all over the world except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria, according to World Health Organisation. Here is a report by IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai... http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/The_Ministry_of_Public_Health_and_the_UN_World_Health_18092008.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:59:15 GMT 05:44 Afghanistan Noorullha Stanikzai Polio eradicated in north, still virulent in south The Ministry of Public Health and the UN World Health Organisation have reported a virtual eradication of poliovirus in the 10 northern and central provinces in Afghanistan. No polio case has been reported in the north of the country over the past three years. The progress is made at a time when 16 polio cases have been reported so far in 2008 in the volatile south and southeast of the country. Poliovirus has been eradicated all over the world except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria, according to World Health Organisation. Here is a report by IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai... The Ministry of Public Health and the UN World Health Organisation have reported a virtual eradication of poliovirus in the 10 northern and central provinces in Afghanistan. No polio case has been reported in the north of the country over the past three years. The progress is made at a time when 16 polio cases have been reported so far in 2008 in the volatile south and southeast of the country. Poliovirus has been eradicated all over the world except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria, according to World Health Organisation. Here is a report by IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai... http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/The_Ministry_of_Public_Health_and_the_UN_World_Health__18092008.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:58:42 GMT 05:44 Afghanistan Noorullah Stanikzai Polio eradicated in north, virulent in south The Ministry of Public Health and the UN World Health Organisation have reported a virtual eradication of poliovirus in the 10 northern and central provinces in Afghanistan. No polio case has been reported in the north of the country over the past three years. The progress is made at a time when 16 polio cases have been reported so far in 2008 in the volatile south and southeast of the country. Poliovirus has been eradicated all over the world except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria, according to World Health Organisation. Here is a report by IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai... The Ministry of Public Health and the UN World Health Organisation have reported a virtual eradication of poliovirus in the 10 northern and central provinces in Afghanistan. No polio case has been reported in the north of the country over the past three years. The progress is made at a time when 16 polio cases have been reported so far in 2008 in the volatile south and southeast of the country. Poliovirus has been eradicated all over the world except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria, according to World Health Organisation. Here is a report by IRIN's Noorullah Stanikzai... http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Poliomyelitis_eradicated_in_north_virulent_in_south_18092008.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:58:10 GMT 05:44 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Poor sanitation and bad toilets cause diseases in Kabul Rapid population expansion coupled with poor sanitation and sewage systems in the Afghan capital, Kabul, have caused major health risks. Officials in Kabul say that lack of a proper canalization system in the city results in polluted water consumed by some 70% of Kabul residents for drinking purposes. According to Ministry of Public Health, most of Kabul's residents use traditional dry vault toilets. The sumps of these toilets are channeled to the streets, which cause the outbreak of cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and eye diseases. According to the State of the World's Toilets 2007 report, about 92 percent of Afghanistan's estimated 26.6 million population do not have access to proper sanitation. This has placed the country at the top of the list of "the worst places in the world for sanitation". IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… Rapid population expansion coupled with poor sanitation and sewage systems in the Afghan capital, Kabul, have caused major health risks. Officials in Kabul say that lack of a proper canalization system in the city results in polluted water consumed by some 70% of Kabul residents for drinking purposes. According to Ministry of Public Health, most of Kabul's residents use traditional dry vault toilets. The sumps of these toilets are channeled to the streets, which cause the outbreak of cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and eye diseases. According to the State of the World's Toilets 2007 report, about 92 percent of Afghanistan's estimated 26.6 million population do not have access to proper sanitation. This has placed the country at the top of the list of "the worst places in the world for sanitation". IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Rapid_po1.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:56:10 GMT 04:30 Afghanistan Masoud Popalzai Call for urgent food aid before snow cuts off Badakhshan Aid agencies in northeastern Badakhshan province warn that if food aid is not delivered to vulnerable communities in remote districts of the province in one month, they will be displaced before winter arrives or face serious food shortages. Every year thousands of people in mountainous districts of Badakhshan face difficulties after snowfall blocks their roads from October. According to provincial officials, this year's severe drought and high food prices have exacerbated the situation. IRIN's Masoud Popalzai reports… Aid agencies in northeastern Badakhshan province warn that if food aid is not delivered to vulnerable communities in remote districts of the province in one month, they will be displaced before winter arrives or face serious food shortages. Every year thousands of people in mountainous districts of Badakhshan face difficulties after snowfall blocks their roads from October. According to provincial officials, this year's severe drought and high food prices have exacerbated the situation. IRIN's Masoud Popalzai reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/_Aid_agencies_in_northeastern_Badakhshan_province_25092008.mp3 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:50:19 GMT 07:43 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Water resources dry up Government officials say surface and underground water resources are drying up due drought in the past several years. A survey by Ministry of Water and Energy suggests 50-70% depletion in surface water resources due to drought and lack of seasonal rainfalls.Though Afghanistan enjoys a plenty of water resources, 70% of it goes waste. According to these officials the current depletion in water resources is associated with drought, lack of seasonal rainfalls and several other climate reasons. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… Government officials say surface and underground water resources are drying up due drought in the past several years. A survey by Ministry of Water and Energy suggests 50-70% depletion in surface water resources due to drought and lack of seasonal rainfalls.Though Afghanistan enjoys a plenty of water resources, 70% of it goes waste. According to these officials the current depletion in water resources is associated with drought, lack of seasonal rainfalls and several other climate reasons. IRIN’s Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Governme1.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:59:05 GMT 04:19 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Ethnic antagonism leads to property disputes among returnees and locals In an exclusive interview with IRIN, Shir Mohammad Etebari, minister of refugees and returnees, said ethnic antagonism has resulted in hundreds of returnees in Takhar Province being deprived access to their properties. Over 500 Pashtoon returnees that have been living in empty old building since late August accuse local powerful holders for confiscating their lands. But local people insisted that returnees were holding forged land documents. These returnees lack access to drinking water, food and health services. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… In an exclusive interview with IRIN, Shir Mohammad Etebari, minister of refugees and returnees, said ethnic antagonism has resulted in hundreds of returnees in Takhar Province being deprived access to their properties. Over 500 Pashtoon returnees that have been living in empty old building since late August accuse local powerful holders for confiscating their lands. But local people insisted that returnees were holding forged land documents. These returnees lack access to drinking water, food and health services. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/In_an_ex1.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:55:32 GMT 06:12 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi 70% of Afghans lack access to clean water - what's being done? Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) says over 70 percent of people in Afghanistan do not have access to clean water. Lack of clean water is believed to be a serious problem this year as the country is facing a severe drought in the past ten years. Now people in drought hit places do not have access to safe drinking water. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports on the consequences of clean water shortage on people's life and government response to the problem… Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) says over 70 percent of people in Afghanistan do not have access to clean water. Lack of clean water is believed to be a serious problem this year as the country is facing a severe drought in the past ten years. Now people in drought hit places do not have access to safe drinking water. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports on the consequences of clean water shortage on people's life and government response to the problem… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Ministry1.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:50:14 GMT 04:17 Afghanistan Noorullha Stanikzai Brother of policeman killed on duty becomes family's sole breadwinner Sohaila Zaki's elder brother, Abdul Jamil, – the only breadwinner of Zaki's family – was a police officer in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, who was killed by armed assailant while on duty in 2005. Zaki's bereaved family said they have received no assistance and support from the government and aid agencies in the past three years. Afghanistan has one of the highest police casualty figures and over the past six months more than 650 police have been killed in insurgency-related violence, according to the Ministry of Interior. A spokesman for the interior ministry said that efforts were underway to provide financial support to the dependents of killed police officers. Sixteen-year-old Zaki told IRIN about the problems her family have been facing since the death of her brother: Sohaila Zaki's elder brother, Abdul Jamil, – the only breadwinner of Zaki's family – was a police officer in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, who was killed by armed assailant while on duty in 2005. Zaki's bereaved family said they have received no assistance and support from the government and aid agencies in the past three years. Afghanistan has one of the highest police casualty figures and over the past six months more than 650 police have been killed in insurgency-related violence, according to the Ministry of Interior. A spokesman for the interior ministry said that efforts were underway to provide financial support to the dependents of killed police officers. Sixteen-year-old Zaki told IRIN about the problems her family have been facing since the death of her brother: http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Sohaila_Zaki_s_elder_brother_Abdul_Jamil__the_only_breadwinner_of_Zaki_s_family_27082008.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:45:33 GMT 03:13 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi Q&A with medical expert on HIV/AIDS Health specialists are concerned that prevalent lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS in Afghanistan could spread the virus rapidly. The country is also considered to be lacking adequate resources to tackle any HIV/AIDS emergency. There are 435 HIV/AIDS positive cases confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health and up to 2,500 others are estimated in through out the nation.IRIN's Masooma Mohamadi has collected a number of questions from different parts of the country to which Dr. Saifurrahman, Director of the National HIV/AIDS Control Program, has responded… Health specialists are concerned that prevalent lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS in Afghanistan could spread the virus rapidly. The country is also considered to be lacking adequate resources to tackle any HIV/AIDS emergency. There are 435 HIV/AIDS positive cases confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health and up to 2,500 others are estimated in through out the nation.IRIN's Masooma Mohamadi has collected a number of questions from different parts of the country to which Dr. Saifurrahman, Director of the National HIV/AIDS Control Program, has responded… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Health_s4.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:42:53 GMT 06:13 Afghanistan Masooma Mohammadi HIV - what's being done to stop its spread? According to Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) so far it has registered 435 positive cases of HIV while some 2,000 to 2,500 cases are estimated to prevail throughout the country. Though HIV prevalence in Afghanistan is low now, three decades of strife, poverty, widespread illiteracy, internal displacement and migration, sharing needles by addicted people, unsafe sex and injection of HIV polluted blood to the patients may result in quick outbreak of the deadly virus. IRIN's Masooma Mohmmadi reports on the measures so far adopted by Afghan government and its future plans to control HIV prevalence… According to Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) so far it has registered 435 positive cases of HIV while some 2,000 to 2,500 cases are estimated to prevail throughout the country. Though HIV prevalence in Afghanistan is low now, three decades of strife, poverty, widespread illiteracy, internal displacement and migration, sharing needles by addicted people, unsafe sex and injection of HIV polluted blood to the patients may result in quick outbreak of the deadly virus. IRIN's Masooma Mohmmadi reports on the measures so far adopted by Afghan government and its future plans to control HIV prevalence… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Accordin1.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:41:00 GMT 04:03 Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Entezar Hundreds of Afghan families who have returned home lack access to basic services Hundreds of Afghan families who have returned home from Pakistan and Iran say they lack access to basic services such as drinking water, school and employment opportunities at a township where they have been settled. The Barikab township, about 60km north of Kabul city, is currently home to over 500 returnee families who warn they will abandon the area if their living conditions are not improved. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… Hundreds of Afghan families who have returned home from Pakistan and Iran say they lack access to basic services such as drinking water, school and employment opportunities at a township where they have been settled. The Barikab township, about 60km north of Kabul city, is currently home to over 500 returnee families who warn they will abandon the area if their living conditions are not improved. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports… http://www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Hundreds2.mp3 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:37:03 GMT 04:16 afghanistan