Baghdad: The Ministry of Health has announced the introduction of tests for anemia and food allergies targeting primary school students. This initiative is part of a broader plan to establish health units within schools, set to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Director of School Health at the Ministry, Arwa Abdul-Khaliq, explained that the decision to introduce these tests was informed by indicators from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and evaluations of children’s health in schools. These indicators revealed prevalent issues of anemia and food allergies among children, underscoring the importance of regular health monitoring in schools and careful oversight of the foods children consume.

The Ministry has already commenced preparations for setting up health units in primary and secondary schools, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. This includes comprehensive medical examinations for new students to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, alongside training for personnel at nearby health centers and school health unit supervisors in first aid and the application of the “Adolescents” and “Health Coordinator” guides.

Arwa Abdul-Khaliq further highlighted a special vaccination campaign aimed at new students, stressing the negative impacts of refusing vaccinations recommended by the Ministry of Health for children under six years old, particularly those entering school. A medical examination form is now a mandatory requirement for admitting new first-grade students, to be utilized in this year’s admission process.

Last year, the Ministry of Health established 193 health units in primary and secondary schools and inaugurated over 420 Adolescent Health Friendly Centers across the nation.