News - Armenia Enhances Health Safety Measures Amid New Charters

In light of growing concerns regarding environmental and public health risks, Armenia has taken a significant step by ratifying Article 11 of the Revised European Social Charter as of October 8, 2026. This decision comes amidst alarming reports of mercury contamination in water supplies, which pose serious health risks to the population. Under Article 11, titled 'Right to Protection of Health', the government commits to the prevention, treatment, and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational, and other diseases. It emphasizes improving sanitation and safety in workplaces, fostering healthier environments, and raising public awareness regarding health threats. As citizens express rising concern over the state's capacity to manage existing and potential health hazards, the founder of the NGO 'Right to Health', Anush Poghosyan, has called attention to the obligations Armenia has accepted. Poghosyan underlines the state's duty to eliminate the root causes of health threats and ensure access to preventive healthcare. In a public statement, she questioned whether the Health Ministry has the requisite professional workforce to uphold these standards and fulfill obligations. The recent reports of mercury poisoning have triggered an urgent discourse on public health safety. Anush Poghosyan stresses the need for systematic changes to bolster Armenia’s healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of accessible, timely, and adequately informed public health education as integral components to prevent disease effectively. Steps are being taken to address the immediate crisis, with a focus on enhancing laboratory capacities and streamlining health service delivery mechanisms to manage pharmaceutical care and prevention strategies. In collaboration with environmental agencies, efforts are underway to monitor and mitigate pollution sources threatening water quality and broader ecological integrity. The Health Ministry, stepping up to these challenges, has announced new partnerships with international health organizations to enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure. They aim to build a robust response mechanism leveraging both local expertise and international best practices, ensuring a sustainable and systematic approach to public health management. This move represents a pivotal moment for Armenia as it seeks to align with international health standards and reinforce public confidence in the nation’s ability to safeguard its citizens against pressing health threats.