Baghdad:The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Iraq’s recent declaration of an environmental emergency and the introduction of a new government platform to monitor pollution are crucial steps toward improving public health protection.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the WHO emphasized that pollution poses a significant challenge not only to the environment but also to health and development. The organization highlighted the connection between air pollution and increased risks of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, strokes, and lung cancer. Water pollution, on the other hand, can elevate the risk of waterborne diseases.

Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative in Iraq, stressed that exposure to certain chemical and industrial pollutants can result in long-term health consequences. She further explained that climate change is aggravating these risks, particularly through extreme heat, water scarcity, dust storms, and worsening air quality.

Al-Raiby underscored the importance of monitoring systems that measure pollution levels and link environmental data with health indicators. These systems help identify sources of risk, impacted areas, and vulnerable populations, thereby enhancing early warning systems and facilitating timely preventive measures.