Afghanistan is facing a worsening clean drinking water crisis, with the European Union issuing a warning over growing health risks linked to widespread water contamination, it was reported on Tuesday.
According to report, citing data released by the EU and reported by Afghan news agency Khaama Press, more than 20 million people across the country are currently without access to safe drinking water. Reports say over 80 per cent of the population is relying on contaminated sources, significantly increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The European Union warned that the spread of illnesses linked to polluted water has intensified, posing serious threats to public health. UNICEF has reported that more than 212,000 Afghan children have been affected by waterborne diseases, while the World Health Organization recorded 9,548 such cases nationwide.
Khaama Press reported that deteriorating infrastructure and administrative challenges under the Taliban authorities have further compounded the crisis. According to the WHO, Taliban-era restrictions and weaknesses in the public health system have contributed to the closure of 442 medical clinics by May 2025.
Analysts warn that the water crisis now threatens not only public health but also social stability and food security. The European Union has called for urgent international attention to prevent further humanitarian deterioration, as Afghanistan remains increasingly isolated amid ongoing political and economic challenges.
The Taliban authorities have not publicly responded to the latest warnings.
