Microsoft Word - AMICS-29Jan2013 - Childinfo.org

According to Table 7.10, nationally, most households had soap somewhere in the household (74%). In urban
areas, 92% of households had soap in the dwelling, while 70% of households in rural areas had soap.
Availability of soap in the household is highest in the Central region (94%) and lowest in the Central
Highlands region (40%). The availability of soap in the household was found to be strongly associated to the
wealth status and educational level of the head of household. When the head of household had no
education, soap was found in the household in 70% of cases, while soap was available in the dwelling in 88%
of cases where the head of household had secondary education or higher. In the poorest quintile, soap was
available in 58% of cases, while in the wealthiest quintile it was available in 92% of cases.
Water and Sanitation Practices in Afghanistan
The survey findings show improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for many
households in Afghanistan, particularly for households in urban areas and for wealthier households. Yet
there is evidence of a wide range of practices in effect in the treatment of water for drinking, including
continued widespread unsafe practices, and varied practice in the disposal of human excreta. There is
considerable potential impact from expanding the adoption of several key basic hygiene practices for the
prevention of disease and death. Changing unsafe practices related to water and sanitation access will be
imperative for improving health outcomes among the Afghan population. Education and economic status
appear to be inherently tied to the likelihood of improved access. Further, targeted interventions should
address regional disparities, as well as disparities much more pronounced in rural areas.
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