Press Release

Kabul Water Safety Improved

New water purification and testing equipment improve water quality.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Sunday, March 16, 2008

On February 25, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) delivered water purification and testing equipment to Khalid Irshad Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.  This equipment will ensure the reliable production of safe water solutions that meet the quality assurance procedures required by the Ministry of Public Health.

According to UNICEF, 81% of people living in rural areas of Afghanistan have no access to clean water and as a result, 60 out of every 1000 children born in Afghanistan die from diarrheal disease.  The Ministry of Public Health is addressing this critical health situation by increasing access to health services and use of products such as water disinfection solutions.  Using disinfected water for drinking and food preparation decreases decrease the incidence of diarrhea and other illnesses by inactivating bacteria, viruses, and most parasites. 

The sophisticated quality testing and purification equipment will allow diagnostic testing of safe water locally under established laboratory standards reviewed and endorsed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  Prior to this, Khalid Irshad Pharmaceutical Manufacturers had to send samples to the CDC in the United States to ensure acceptable quality of ingredients for the production of chlorine solutions.  By testing the quality of ingredients for this solution locally, Khalid Irshad saves valuable resources,  ensures first-hand that its products are manufactured using pure sources of water, and meets the quality standards required by the Ministry of Public Health.

USAID helps to make basic health products available through the private sector at prices affordable to the general public.  One product supported by USAID and developed at Khalid Irshad Pharmaceutical Manufacturers is Abpakon Water Cleaner, an easy to use, affordable, and effective chlorine-based solution that disinfects unclean water.  Developing this solution under Ministry and international standards using water purification and testing equipment ensures the quality of chlorine solutions for drinking water and food preparation.