Representatives of various bilateral and multilateral donors working in the health sector have expressed their ‘deepest concern’ over humanitarian situation prevailing in Nepal resulting from ongoing protest led by Madhesh based parties and India imposed economic blockade. They have refrained from referring to India in their joint statement.

They have raised the issue of severe shortage of lifesaving medicines and supplies across Nepal and have also appealed all sides to ease blockade of the country’s southern border.

The statement has been jointly issued by World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and their development partners from Germany, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.

“In recognition of the right to timely access to quality health care services, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and as detailed in the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment No. 14 on the Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health, we emphasize the seriousness of the present situation and its humanitarian implications,” the statement reads.

The agencies have also warned that reduced ability to access quality health care services and treatment is already affecting the most vulnerable, including pregnant and postpartum women, older persons, children, earthquake-affected communities and persons with acute conditions.

They also said disruptions to public health programs, including routine immunization, will have an “extremely serious and lasting impact on the health of children.” “Should the situation be prolonged, the effects will be exacerbated,” the statement said.

The agencies said they will form a working group to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Population “to jointly explore all options for the provision of immediate assistance and support.”

“We urge all sides to address restrictions on the import and free movement of essential supplies including vaccines, drugs and other medical goods as a means of respecting and facilitating the human right to access quality health care services,” the statement said.

@telegraph