Nepal diarrhoea outbreak

A deadly outbreak of diarrhoea has killed more than 300 people in western Nepal.

Such outbreaks often occur in rural areas due to a lack of clean water, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, and a shortage of basic medical facilities. The severity of this year's outbreak is thought to be related to the recent winter drought and late onset of monsoon rains.

Oxfam's response

Oxfam has launched a response to provide clean water and sanitation to some of the communities worst affected by the outbreak.

Our work includes distributing soap and water purification tablets, and building latrines and new water systems. We have also trained volunteers to share safe hygiene messages and run special song competitions to teach communities about good hygiene and sanitation.

Update: 28 August 2009