Hundreds of Children in Artsakh Face Serious Health Issues Amid Blockade

According to the report from the Artsakh government and the health sector officials of the republic, currently, 847 children in Artsakh are suffering from congenital heart defects, 93 from bronchial asthma, 66 from periodic illnesses, 80 from epilepsy, and 16 from diabetes. These children were registered and regularly traveled to the Republic of Armenia to receive appropriate medical care. Since December 12, due to the blockade, these children have been deprived of the right to receive medical assistance.

Additionally, more than 10 doctors have been unable to return to Artsakh from Armenia, resulting in a significant personnel deficit in Artsakh's healthcare facilities.

Current Statistics:

• 1 child is in the neonatal and intensive care unit of the children's hospital.
• 11 adult patients are in intensive care, 3 of whom are in critical condition.
• 127 children have been born under blockade conditions.

Due to the cessation of planned surgeries in all healthcare facilities under the Ministry of Health of Artsakh, approximately 400 citizens have been deprived of the opportunity to undergo surgery due to health issues. So far, 19 patients have been transferred from Artsakh to Armenia for appropriate treatment under the auspices and escort of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

726 businesses (17.7% of the total) have suspended their operations due to the impossibility of working under blockade conditions. Due to the created economic difficulties, at least 3,400 people have lost their jobs and source of income.

More than 13,200 tons of essential goods would have been delivered to Artsakh if it weren’t for the blockade, of which only a minimal amount has been supplied by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping forces.

Important Facts:

The agents of the Azerbaijani government have been holding the 120,000 residents of Artsakh hostage under blockade conditions for 34 days through terrorist actions. As a result of the blockade, the 120,000 residents of Artsakh (including about 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly, and 9,000 persons with disabilities) are suffering numerous deprivations and are also at risk of famine.

Due to the increasing food shortages under blockade conditions, 41 kindergartens, 56 preschool groups, and 20 extended educational institutions have closed. 6,828 children can no longer attend kindergarten, preschool, or extended school, losing access to proper care, nutrition, and education.

Since the start of the blockade, numerous countries and international organizations have condemned Azerbaijan's actions and called for the lifting of the blockade. The issue has also been discussed in the UN Security Council, and the European Court of Human Rights has obligated Azerbaijan to take all necessary and sufficient measures to lift the blockade. The matter will soon be discussed in the International Court of Justice (Hague) within the framework of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.