KABUL Afghanistan's ruling Taleban movement appealed for international aid to tackle what it called a cholera epidemic. "This year once again this deadly disease is on the peak in this hot summer weather...as health is the common wish of the world and has no political aspect, we appeal to the world to help us in the health sector," the Taleban's public health minister, Mullah Mohammad Abbas, told a news conference.

"Basically the outcome of our conclusion is that a cholera epidemic has broken out...compared to the past two years, cholera has come prematurely this year and is expected to continue for four months." he said. He said a survey showed 55 deaths from more than 6,300 acute diarrhea cases due to a disease which had been clinically diagnosed as cholera. Health services, like all other infrastructure, have crumbled in two decades of war in Afghanistan. There are only a few functioning hospitals which are largely funded by foreign aid agencies with a limited number of doctors.

According to reports from hospitals around the country, each week 2,000 people are reported to have the symptoms of cholera and at least two die, the minister said. He said that medicine should be provided for 48,000 people in six zones, with Kabul, the capital, the worst hit area. The Taleban minister said that drought and lack of clean water this year were the main causes of the disease.

(Reuter)