Diarrhoea epidemic hits western Nepal. More than 200 dead
Dozens of people are infected every day in the villages. In many cases the bodies of dead lie in the fields contaminating the water ways. A considerable increase of the victims is expected in the coming months.
"I lost two children last week as a result of infection. I tried to find the medicines, but the central district hospital told me they were not available”, says Nor Bahadur in the district of Rolpa. He adds that "the government should feel responsible for the health of its citizens by providing medicines. You should not die because of a lack of anti-diarrhoea pills. "
Despite the fact that the first deaths occurred about three months ago, the government is only now intervening to stop the spread of the epidemic to the rest of the country.
After an initial visit, Monday 20 July, the Prime Minister Madhav Kumar assured the people declaring to have taken special measures to tackle the epidemic quickly. He acknowledged the responsibilities of institutions stating that "this situation is due to a lack of coordination of the competent authorities."
Following the statement, Kumar announced his intention to create a rescue fund that provides 100 Euros for each family affected by the disease.
For his part, the Secretary of the Ministry for Health, Dirge Bum Singh says that "the Ministry is monitoring the area but it will take several days to control the spread of the epidemic because of thr poor hygienic conditions in which people live" .
Meanwhile, the younger population is fleeing from the affected districts for fear of contagion, leaving the elderly alone in the villages.
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