DUSHANBE, October 19, Asia-Plus - Typhoid has shown a downward tendency in Tajikistan, Deputy Health Minister, Ziyovuddin Afghonov, told a news conference in Dushanbe on October 18. 

According to him, over the past nine months, 760 cases of typhoid have been registered in the country, while last year the number of registered cases of typhoid was 1,170. 

Tajik Health Minister Nusratullo Fayzulloyev speaking to journalists claimed that the present typhoid situation in Tajikistan is stable.  “However, the threat of spread of this disease remains until all the population in the country is provided with safe drinking water,” the minister said.   

Afghonov noted that over the past nine months, they have conducted lab test of water across the country, especially in the regions, where the typhoid situation is the most serious.  Medical workers have also made rounds, according to him.  “In the Khatlon province, they jointly with representatives from the Merlin organization have distributed to the population pills for disinfecting water,” said Afghonov, “Besides, in cooperation with UNICEF Country Office we are working with schools on raising typhoid awareness.”