Stomach and intestinal diseases have reached alarming levels in several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, driven by poor nutrition, contaminated water, high temperatures, and environmental pollutionIn just one week, 34,701 cases of gastroenteritis and acute diarrhea were reported across various districts in the province. According to the Health Department’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Report for the period from August 26 to September 1, Peshawar recorded the highest number of cases, with 4,443 reported. Swat followed closely with 3,995 cases, while the Bajaur tribal district registered 2,556 cases. Dera Ismail Khan and Nowshera also saw significant outbreaks, with over 2,000 cases reported in each district.

According to sources other affected districts included Shangla with 1,654 cases, Malakand with 1,412, Dera Ismail Khan with 1,240, Haripur with 1,127, Chitral Lower with 1,114, and Abbottabad with 1,103. The lowest number of cases—42—were reported in the mountainous Orakzai tribal district.Dr. Shams Wazir, a gastroenterologist at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, explained that the hot weather and ongoing rains contribute to the rise in gastrointestinal diseases. Poor hygiene, consumption of substandard drinks, and lack of access to clean drinking water are major causes. He added that unsanitary conditions in public toilets and the failure to wash hands before eating are also contributing to the high rate of viral gastroenteritis.

Dr. Wazir advised the public to be cautious about nutrition, water quality, and personal hygiene, particularly with schools reopening. He stressed the importance of keeping school toilets clean to prevent the spread of infections and warned against consuming open food exposed to flies. In areas prone to flooding, access to clean drinking water is crucial to avoid further outbreaks.