Tajikistan has initiated stringent measures to safeguard its border areas along the Panj River and districts of Khatlon province from potential cholera outbreaks originating in neighboring Afghanistan, as it was informed by ASIA-Plus on June 19. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP) has intensified surveillance and sanitation efforts in response to reported cholera cases in Afghanistan's Balkh, Kunduz, Takhar, and Badakhshan regions.
According to Mr. Navrouz Jafarov, Deputy Head of the MoHSPP State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision Service, these preventive actions aim to curb the transmission of cholera through water sources shared between the two countries. Specialists from Tajikistan's Republican Center for Combating Quarantine Diseases have been actively involved since June 3 in inspecting open water sites across Khatlon province. This includes comprehensive water sampling and analysis to detect any signs of contamination.
"The risk of disease transmission increases during floods or when wastewater from Afghan villages flows into our rivers," noted Tajik health officials, highlighting the vulnerability of border areas to such outbreaks.
While emphasizing the ongoing preventive measures, Mr. Jafarov reassured residents that these efforts are part of routine protocols to maintain public health. Similar vigilance will extend to open water bodies in Dushanbe, districts under central jurisdiction, and Sughd province.
As a precautionary recommendation, residents in border areas have been advised to adhere strictly to hygiene practices such as thorough handwashing with soap and the boiling of water for consumption and cooking. These measures are crucial in preventing not only cholera but also other intestinal infections.
The collaborative efforts between MoHSPP and Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation underscore the seriousness of the situation. Joint initiatives include training programs for specialized personnel and enhanced monitoring to fortify Tajikistan's readiness against potential cholera outbreaks.
Efforts to combat cholera include improved sanitation infrastructure, access to clean water, and vaccination programs where feasible.
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