Baghdad: The Council of Ministers has sanctioned a series of recommendations aimed at combating epidemics, prominently featuring the adoption of the National Committee for One Health. This committee is set to become the primary national body tasked with managing all health and epidemic-related events and crises. Additionally, the Council has given the green light for the importation of meat and live animals, stressing the importance of implementing comprehensive safety measures both before and after these imports enter Iraq.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Finance has earmarked 3 billion dinars from the emergency reserve budget to support the National Committee for One Health. This financial allocation is intended to empower the committee to effectively implement strategies designed to curb the spread of diseases within the country.

Furthermore, the Council of Ministers has endorsed the “National Initiative for Environmental Monitoring and Inspection” as a strategic national measure. This initiative, which was voted on during today’s session, will see amendments to incorporate the Ministry of Environment’s ability to contract with relevant authorities, thereby providing necessary technical and logistical support to environmental monitors in alignment with existing laws.