Continuing Progressive Deterioration of the Environment in the Aral Sea Region: Disastrous Effects on Mother and Child Health

Abstract

Scientists, non‐governmental experts (NGOs) and governmental officials from the Central Asian Republics and an international group of invited scientists and NGO representatives participated in a workshop on the disastrous health problems in the Aral Sea Region. Various serious problems were reported in more than 20 presentations. Particular emphasis was put on the way in which adverse environmental factors such as contaminated water and food have contributed to the deterioration of human health, particularly that of mothers and children. Conclusion: There is an urgent request that the international community assists local scientists to develop programmes to improve the health of the population in the Aral Sea Region.

Worldwide environmental threats to salt lakes

“…However, the most serious health issues are related to "Third world" medical, nutrition and hygienic conditions and practices. Bacterial contamination of drinking water has spreading and has led to high rates of typhoid, paratyphoid, viral hepatitis, and dysentery [11][12][13][14]. On the other hand, salinity and pollution of water have led to the extinction of many fi sh species, as it caused reduction of fi sh population from 43,430 tons in 1960 to 17,460 tons in 1970 and approximately 0 in 1980 [15].…”