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Immediate Action Taken to Protect Over 15,000 Residents from Contaminated Water Crisis
New Halabja, Iraq – Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) has launched an urgent awareness and prevention campaign in response to a recent outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting in Sharazur district, particularly in New Halabja.
The health crisis, which emerged earlier this month, was triggered by heavy rains and flooding that contaminated drinking water with sewage, leading to a rapid spread of illness across schools and communities.
Recognizing the significant threat to local residents, especially children, KSC has taken immediate action in collaboration with health and education authorities in Sharazur. The campaign, rolled out this week, includes:
- Distribution of hand sanitizers to students in affected schools.
- Public health awareness sessions on hygiene and prevention practices.
- Provision of essential medicines to hospitals treating patients.
- Sanitization of water storage facilities to prevent further contamination.
With more than 500 children currently hospitalized and over 15,000 residents expected to benefit from the campaign, KSC’s intervention aims to curb the outbreak and safeguard the health of the entire community.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to contain this outbreak and prevent further infections,” said KSC President Sara Rashid. “By addressing immediate needs and promoting hygiene awareness, we hope to protect children and families from future health crises.”
KSC’s emergency response team will continue to monitor the situation, evaluating the effectiveness of the campaign in reducing cases and raising public awareness, especially among students, and curtailing the spread of illness in local schools and communities.
KSC remains remains steadfast in its mission to protect children’s health and well-being across the Kurdistan Region. This campaign underscores KSC’s commitment to proactive, life-saving initiatives that support vulnerable communities in times of crisis.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: press@ksc-kcf.org
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/