Pregnant Women in Vulnerable Group: Challenges Escalate Due to the Situation in Artsakh

The closure of the Stepanakert-Goris road by Azerbaijan has left pregnant women in an even more vulnerable group. This was stated by Vardges Osipov, the Executive Director of the Mother and Child Health Protection Center, as reported by the Ministry of Health of Artsakh.

Osipov noted that due to the current situation in the country, all planned surgeries and diagnostic examinations have been canceled in order to maximize the use of available resources in cases of urgent need.

“Due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor, we have seen an increase in complicated deliveries and any pregnancy-related complications. The reasons are many, ranging from stress to the complete lack of proper nutrition for pregnant women. I can assure everyone that despite the difficulties, we will continue to fulfill our professional duties. Nothing lasts forever, and we will achieve our goals; we believe that we will live in a free and independent Artsakh,” said the doctor.

According to statistics, since December 12, 2022, 169 babies have been born in Artsakh, 144 of them at the Mother and Child Health Protection Center in Stepanakert.

It is noteworthy that on the morning of December 12, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing closed the Stepanakert-Goris highway, which connects Artsakh to Armenia, citing environmental reasons. Since December 13, the Azerbaijani side has intermittently shut off the gas supply to Artsakh. Since January 9, the electricity supply from Armenia to Artsakh has also been disconnected from the areas under Azerbaijani control. The Azerbaijani side is not allowing specialists to approach and determine the causes to carry out emergency repair work if necessary. Electricity supply in Artsakh is being conducted through rolling blackouts. The Lachin corridor remains closed.