Pakistan - An early start to miseries

The fluoride contamination has not only affected one-and-half-year-old Hanif physically but has also affected his chances of getting married as after he got rashes on his body, his engagement was annulled. In his village almost every child is engaged right after he or she is born hence according to the local custom, Hanif was engaged too. Sadly, however, after the rashes appeared on his body the father of the bride refused to marry his daughter to Hanif. Hanif is not alone in the village but in fact several other children have been badly affected by the water contamination. The contamination is not only affecting the people physically but also socially and psychologically. Like other parts of the Thar Desert, including Achhro Thar, almost everyone has decaying teeth due to the high level of fluoride in the water. The villagers said that their children have a problem getting a decent job when they grow up due to the appearance of their teeth. amar guriro