Baghdad:The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted Iraq’s declaration of an environmental emergency and the launch of a government platform to monitor pollution as crucial advancements in linking environmental response with public health protection. These measures are pivotal in translating monitoring data into early preventive actions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, WHO Representative in Iraq, Jamela Al-Raiby, emphasized that addressing pollution involves more than just measuring and recording pollutant levels. It requires analyzing health implications and identifying high-risk areas and groups to enable timely interventions before health impacts escalate.

Al-Raiby stressed the necessity of connecting environmental data with health indicators to pinpoint risk sources and vulnerable populations. She called for strengthening early warning systems and implementing preventive measures, particularly for children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic diseases. Pollution, she noted, poses challenges not only to the environment but also to health and development, necessitating a multi-sectoral response.

The WHO supports Iraq by enhancing the health system’s capacity to manage environmental and climate-related risks, developing monitoring and early warning mechanisms, and offering evidence-based health guidance. Al-Raiby highlighted the need for coordination among health, environment, water, energy, transport, and municipal sectors due to pressures from extreme heat, water scarcity, and dust storms.

The WHO provides technical support to Iraq in assessing health risks related to climate change, developing a national health adaptation plan, and building a resilient health system. This includes guidance on air and water quality, sanitation, and environmental health.

The ultimate goal of the monitoring system, as stressed by Al-Raiby, is to transition from merely tracking pollution statistics to assessing its impact on human health, enabling early warnings and preventive actions to mitigate risks and protect the population.

Earlier today, the Iraqi Council of Representatives approved the recommendations of a committee investigating pollution in the Tigris River, focusing on identifying responsible parties and determining necessary mitigation measures.