WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expresses concern over situation resulting from Lachin corridor blockade

YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Healthcare of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan had a phone conversation with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and presented the current situation in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) resulting from the closure of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Healthcare said in a read-out that expecting WHO support to overcome the humanitarian crisis, the following items were discussed:

• A mission to assess the situation on the ground
• The possibility of supplying necessary medical items and medicine
• The WHO’s clear stance regarding the situation

Minister Avanesyan said that for already 51 days the only road to Artsakh remains closed, electricity, gas and internet shutdowns continue, which resulted in suspension and delays of planned surgeries.

So far, 59 critically-ill patients were transferred from Artsakh to Armenia for vital treatment under ICRC mediation. The minister also said that one patient died because of not receiving prompt treatment as a result of the blockade.

Avanesyan thanked WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge for addressing the issue during the briefing of the Executive Board session.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern regarding the situation and vowed to find solutions through joint work.

Avanesyan said she will maintain permanent contact with WHO to notify on the developments and to record progress in the abovementioned three directions by the WHO.