Bolivia's La Paz Declares 90-Day Health and Humanitarian Emergency

The government of Bolivia's La Paz department declared a 90‑day health and humanitarian emergency across the entire department in response to prolonged blockades that have severely limited the supply of medicinal oxygen, medicines, food and fuel.

The decree prioritises continuous delivery of oxygen to hospitals and health centers, the creation of safe transport corridors in coordination with the central government and municipal authorities, and the immediate mobilisation of human, technical and financial resources. It also authorises direct procurement and contracting for essential goods, continuous monitoring of oxygen stocks, and measures to guarantee food security for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

The emergency comes after more than a month of protests, with six deaths reported among patients unable to receive timely medical care due to the shortages. The resolution may be extended after a technical assessment.