Kathmandu : Quake-hit Nepal is now grappling with a new challenge – how to deal with post-disaster diseases like diarrhoea and respiratory infections, as water and sanitation are emerging as major concerns. Health experts fear outbreak of diseases like diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection, eye and skin and health issues, adding to the woes of survivors, who are homeless and are struggling with scarcity of food and water supplies.
Moreover, injuries due to earthquake like fractures, spinal cord injuries, psychological trauma and child health are major issues that are worrying the health experts. “At the moment, we are worried with post earthquake- related diseases. We are expecting viral and water-borne diseases,” Dr P V Chand, chief of Policy and Planning and International Coordination Committee, Ministry of Health and Population, told PTI.
“We have informed district authorities to gear up for the situation. We are also planning to make people aware of the diseases which could come in coming days,” Chand said. Providing clean drinking water is also a major challenge, as Nepal relies on tankers and wells for fresh water. In the aftermath of the quakes, transport of water has been interrupted and many wells have been damaged, leading to fears of water-borne diseases. Similarly, sanitation is also a challenge as many bodies are still trapped under the debris and are already decomposing. In Kathmandu alone, mounds of debris and garbage could be seen as sanitation workers are yet to resume work fully. Hospitals in district capitals, including Kathmandu, are overcrowded and lack medical supplies and facilities.
Prashant Rangnekar
