The GAP Project in Southeastern Turkey: Health Risks from New Irrigation
Author Information
Author(s): Serap Aksoy, Sedat Ariturk, Martine Y.K. Armstrong, K.P. Chang, Zeynep Dortbudak, Michael Gottlieb, M. Ali Ozcel, Frank F. Richards, Karl Western
Primary Institution: Yale University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the potential health-related consequences of the GAP water development projects in southeastern Turkey?
Conclusion
The GAP project may lead to an increase in infectious diseases due to new irrigation schemes.
Supporting Evidence
- Malaria cases in the region rose significantly from 1990 to 1994.
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases increased from 552 in 1990 to over 3,000 in 1994.
- Over 90% of stool samples examined in one study carried intestinal parasites.
- Emergence of schistosomiasis is a potential risk due to new water projects.
Takeaway
When new water is added to dry areas, it can bring more diseases. This project in Turkey might cause more people to get sick.
Limitations
Limited data on the prevalence of certain diseases and the potential for emerging diseases is not fully understood.
Participant Demographics
The region has a population of approximately 10% of Turkey's total population, with specific focus on the province of Sanliurfa.
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