Lack of Clean Water, Toilets, Puts Earthquake Survivors, Particularly Children, in °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð at Risk of Disease
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Feb. 13, 2023)—Areas of °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð worst affected by last week’s devastating earthquakes urgently need humanitarian aid in order to prevent a secondary public health emergency, said 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
Thousands of people are without safe drinking water and sanitation facilities such as running water and toilets. In these conditions, there is a risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, which would be particularly deadly to children.
Randa Ghazy, Regional Media Manager at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, is in Antakya, Hatay, one of the worst-affected areas in °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð. The organization has been working in the area since 2015 in close collaboration with local government, municipality, and other stakeholders. Randa said:
“Many people in affected areas don’t have access to toilets or sanitation facilities, putting them at risk of waterborne diseases, which are particularly deadly for children. I spoke to parents in the areas around Antakya who are sleeping in cars and community centers. They told me that their children are vomiting, so there’s a real concern that some children are already falling ill.
“The issue is compounded by the lack of health services, as many hospitals have been destroyed and those which are still standing are overwhelmed with thousands of injured people. Hospitals are also running short on medical supplies and fuel to operate. They won’t be able to cope with a waterborne disease outbreak, and children will be in the greatest danger.
“It’s psychologically difficult for survivors to live in these conditions. Without access to sanitation facilities, people have no choice other than to go to the toilet outside. Women and girls are having to manage their periods without privacy, clean water, and sanitary products—it’s incredibly stressful.â€
Marielle Snel, Senior Global Humanitarian Water Sanitation and Hygiene Advisor for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, said:
“People in the earthquake-affected areas urgently need safe drinking water and latrines. It’s challenging as water pipes are broken. Once the latrines are in place, waste needs to be safely disposed of to avoid risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.
“Sanitation facilities need to be built in a way that considers the safety of women and girls. There needs to be adequate privacy and lighting so they can use facilities without feeling unsafe.â€
91¶ÌÊÓƵ is in °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð distributing food, temporary shelter items, and essential emergency relief items, including blankets, warm clothing, sleeping bags, heaters, diapers, and sanitary towels. The organization is also bringing in a team of water, sanitation, and hygiene specialists who will assess the needs on the ground, and also support the government in its response.
In °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð and Syria, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is planning to reach a total of 1.6 million people, including 675,000 children. This includes 1.1 million people, including 550,000, children in Syria, and 500,000 people, including 125,000 children, in °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð.
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91¶ÌÊÓƵ believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is a charity you can trust. Follow us on , , and .