Baghdad: Minister of Health, Dr. Saleh Mahdi Al-Hassnawi, chaired a meeting on Monday with key officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), including the Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, and the WHO Representative in Iraq, Dr. Jameela Al-Murabi, along with their delegation. The meeting was attended by senior staff from the Ministry of Health.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the discussions focused on the current state of Iraq’s health sector, exploring strategies to enhance medical services and strengthen cooperation with the WHO. Dr. Al-Hassnawi emphasized the Iraqi government’s dedication to improving the national health system, despite facing numerous challenges. He acknowledged WHO’s efforts in combating drug abuse, providing essential training, and offering technical consultations. As the Chair of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, Dr. Al-Hassnawi also highlighted the importance of supporting Gaza’s health sector through the WHO’s regional office, lauding its humanitarian efforts in response to the destruction of health facilities due to ongoing conflicts.

Dr. Balkhy reaffirmed the WHO’s condemnation of the attacks on Gaza and confirmed that supporting its health sector remains a top priority. She stressed the organization’s commitment to expanding access to life-saving medicines and vaccines, building a resilient health workforce, and addressing the social and health impacts of substance abuse.