Baghdad: World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Iraq, Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, announced that health sector reform and digital transformation are among the organization’s primary priorities as Iraq enters a crucial phase in the development of its health sector.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Raiby emphasized that the WHO’s efforts align with the priorities of the Iraqi government and its strategic health objectives. These priorities include reforming the health sector, strengthening primary healthcare, combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, protecting maternal and child health, and preparing for health emergencies. Additionally, addressing environmental challenges, building national capacities, and transferring expertise and international standards are focal points.
Al-Raiby noted the organization’s support for Iraq’s Ministry of Health in developing a robust primary healthcare model, enhancing universal health coverage, and improving the quality of health services. Efforts are also underway to develop the referral system and improve the efficiency of the health workforce, contributing to a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable health system.
The WHO is also advancing digital transformation within Iraq’s health sector by strengthening health information systems and enhancing data collection and analysis. This digital shift aids decision-makers with evidence-based planning, improves monitoring of health indicators, and enhances health services management efficiency at both national and local levels.
In the realm of public health and disease prevention, Al-Raiby highlighted the organization’s support for national immunization programs aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and protecting children from preventable diseases. Efforts are also focused on combating communicable diseases and strengthening disease surveillance, early warning, and rapid response systems for outbreaks such as measles, hemorrhagic fever, cholera, and polio.
Regarding non-communicable diseases, which account for over 50 percent of total deaths in Iraq, the WHO is assisting the government in strengthening prevention, early detection, and improving diagnosis and treatment services for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
The WHO is also supporting Iraq’s National Cancer Control Strategy, including initiatives for childhood cancer, mental health services, violence and injury prevention, and efforts to reduce drug use and addiction. These initiatives aim to mitigate the health, social, and economic burdens of such diseases.
Furthermore, Al-Raiby affirmed the organization’s commitment to enhancing the health system’s preparedness for epidemics, disasters, humanitarian crises, and large gatherings. This includes building health personnel capacities, strengthening emergency teams, developing response plans, and conducting drills and simulations.
With regard to environmental health and climate change, Al-Raiby emphasized the challenges Iraq faces, such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, desertification, and dust storms, which have direct impacts on population health and water and food security. The WHO, in cooperation with national authorities, is leading the National Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and the National Health Adaptation Plan to integrate health considerations into climate policies.
The WHO’s role extends beyond technical support to building partnerships with various stakeholders such as ministries, government institutions, universities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and United Nations agencies. This collaborative approach aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and accelerate health reform.
In conclusion, Al-Raiby stated that Iraq’s health sector is at a pivotal stage of development, with the WHO proud of its partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Iraqi government. The priority is to build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable health system, with investments in health sector reform, digital transformation, maternal and child health, immunization programs, and climate change adaptation expected to impact future generations positively.