Dushanbe, 27 December 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Tajik Deputy Health Minister Ismail Usmonov told RFE/RL yesterday that since the beginning of fall this year, 400 Tajik citizens have died of typhoid disease and approximately 15,000 additional cases have been reported.
Our correspondent reports that malaria is also a serious threat to Tajiks' health. Tajik government officials have estimated that by next spring and summer, the number of malaria patients will rise to around 120,000.
The major reasons for the spread of typhoid and malaria are polluted drinking water and lack of hygiene. Other contributing factors in Tajikistan are shortages of medicine and funds in the country's health system.
Our correspondent reports that malaria is also a serious threat to Tajiks' health. Tajik government officials have estimated that by next spring and summer, the number of malaria patients will rise to around 120,000.
The major reasons for the spread of typhoid and malaria are polluted drinking water and lack of hygiene. Other contributing factors in Tajikistan are shortages of medicine and funds in the country's health system.