211852 Politics of water in Afghanistan: Scare supply in an arid landscape

Wednesday, November 11, 2009: 1:30 PM

Zohra Rasekh, MPH , Government of Afghanistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sterling, VA, Afghanistan
Water supply and water quality have historically been problematic in Afghanistan. These problems have been exacerbated by thirty years of civil war, on going violence, and urbanization, among many other factors.

This presentation focuses on the government of Afghanistan's efforts to improve the quality and quantity of water in the country and the failure of international donor agencies to recognize the critical needs. While security remains a pressing concern in the country, struggles over water intensify many of the sources of conflict in the country.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the current status of water and water quality issues in Afghanistan and the relationship to conflict; and 2. Evaluate the role of donor agencies in recognizing critical needs.

Keywords: Drinking Water Quality, Politics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I hold a masters degree in public health from the George Washington University and received a fellowship award in Women & Public Policy from the Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government. As an Afghan expert on health, human rights and gender issues, I have conducted research and made many presentations on the issues to be discussed at this session.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Water and Politics: Contemporary Struggles Over Water Across the Globe
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