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Iraq’s landmark achievement in polio transition reaps benefits
A health worker in Iraq administers a polio vaccine, ensuring every child has a chance at a polio-free life. Photo: WHO Iraq8 September 2024, Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq, the first country among polio transition priority countries to achieve the polio transition process in full, continues to reap benefits from its historic success. Its polio programme will now be sustained through domestic financing, marking a significant step forward in Iraq's public health goals.
Last month, Iraq's success was highlighted as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Region’s investment cases at two international events, the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) 50th anniversary ceremony in Cairo and the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) meeting in Geneva.
"Iraq’s achievement in completing the polio transition shows the strength of the commitment of the Iraqi health authorities to a polio-free future. This is not just a victory against polio, it’s a victory for every child in Iraq who now has a better chance at a healthy life," said Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq.
Iraq has reduced the number of zero-dose children by more than 50 000, complementing the successful completion of the polio transition process. This is not only a victory over polio, but testament to Iraq’s broader efforts to strengthen its health systems. It also highlights the effective role of immunization programmes in safeguarding public health and reducing mortality rates among children under 5 years of age. In 2023, the EPI programme in Iraq prevented 11 034 deaths and is expected to prevent a further 11 663 by the end of 2024.
A vaccination team navigates Iraq's marshes to reach and protect children from polio. Polio Vaccination Campaign, Iraq, 2019. Photo: WHO IraqThe health benefits of Iraq’s immunization efforts extend beyond saving lives. By preventing disease and reducing mortality, Iraq secures economic benefits as more children grow up healthy and contribute to the workforce. Preventing polio-related paralysis ensures that more people can lead productive lives.
"The completion of the polio transition is a remarkable milestone, not just for Iraq but for the entire Region. This achievement shows that with strong will, adequate resources and collaboration with our international counterparts at WHO and other partners and we can accomplish what once seemed impossible," said Dr. Riyadh Al Hilfy, Director General of the Public Health Directorate at the Iraqi Ministry of Health.
Iraq’s success serves as an example to other countries, demonstrating that even in the face of significant challenges public health goals are within reach. The Ministry of Health in Iraq, in collaboration with WHO Iraq, is actively documenting its achievements to inform and guide future public health initiatives.
“This story is about more than defeating polio, it is about Iraq’s broader victory in strengthening health systems, improving surveillance and ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to lifesaving vaccines,” concluded Dr Ki-Zerbo.
“Iraq’s resilience and determination in achieving this momentous goal is an inspiration for global health efforts. It is not only a source of national pride but a significant contribution to universal health coverage, health security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
For more information, please contact:
Ajyal Sultany, PhD
WHO Sr. Communications Officer
WHO Iraq – Erbil
+964 7740 892 878
HeRAMS transforms health care management in Iraq
HeRAMS capacity-building workshop in Iraq to empower the health workforce and speed up progress in health service delivery and emergency response. Photo: WHO/WHO Iraq7 April 2024, Baghdad, Iraq – The Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) initiative has digitized health care management in Iraq and made vital information accessible for planning and decision-making purposes.
The project was launched in January 2022 to ensure availability of information about essential health resources and services for decision-makers at all levels. Completion of -building and data collection by mid-June 2024 will provide a comprehensive dataset on essential health resources and services provision. This can facilitate evidence-based decision-making to achieve health equity and ensure equal access to essential health services for all in Iraq.
“This success is a reflection of the power of collaboration and innovation in health care management,” said Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq. “By working together with the national health authorities, we have been able to create a platform that not only responds to emergencies but also strengthens the overall health system, ensuring better access to health care for all.”
The initiative has standardized the collection, analysis and dissemination of information related to essential health services across Iraq. Compiling, maintaining, regularly updating and continuously sharing a master list of health facilities, resources and services has boosted the country’s health information systems.
Experts from WHO headquarters and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean took part in a mission to Iraq and the Kurdistan region of Iraq in January 2022. Following this, the federal and Kurdistan region ministries of health sought support for a nationwide implementation of HeRAMS. A joint effort by the WHO Country Office in Iraq and both ministry of health teams then laid the foundations for this implementation.
“Initially, it was believed that HeRAMS would solely aid in emergency response. However, we have demonstrated its capability to also support developmental efforts effectively,” stated Dr Ali Kareem Al Mayahi, Deputy Director-General for Technical Affairs in the Planning Directorate of the Federal Ministry of Health.
The project implementation strategy was guided by WHO’s “Digital implementation investment guide”. This helped assist the Iraqi ministries of health and technical partners to plan the HeRAMS implementation, and at the same time, align this effort with Iraq’s national health system goals. Active participation from both ministries was key to ensure ownership and sustainability of the project.
The first round of HeRAMS implementation took place in 2022 and 2023. This initial phase resulted in an online dynamic dashboard and over 500 pages of descriptive analysis, including an advanced model for accessing health services.
This success paved the way for the second round of implementation, starting in early 2024. This latest round involves capacity-building workshops and revisions to the data collection process. It has also seen a roadmap put in place for the long-term sustainability of HeRAMS. This roadmap has gathered the highest political commitment from both health ministers.
WHO would like to express its gratitude to the federal and Kurdistan region ministries of health and the United States Agency for International Development for their support in advancing this transformative project.
Yes! We can end TB!
WHO and partners join WHO RO Mission to the Iraqi National TB institute in Baghdad. WHO Iarq24 March 2024, Baghdad, Iraq – Today, Iraq celebrates its remarkable success in tuberculosis (TB) control, which reflects the transformative impact of international collaboration and innovation.
Iraq has made significant steps in the fight against TB through its partnerships with the National TB Program (NTP), WHO, International Organization for Migration, Iraqi Anti-TB Association and others.
From 2013 to 2023, Iraq saw a dramatic decline in TB incidence, falling from 45 to 23 cases per 100 000 people. This achievement has propelled Iraq into the ranks of low-burden countries for TB, reflecting the effectiveness of its TB control strategies.
One fundamental advance has been the shift in the treatment approach for drug-resistant TB since 2020, from a series of injections to an all-oral regimen. This move has improved treatment outcomes and lessened the burden on patients, marking a significant milestone in Iraq’s TB control efforts.
Another breakthrough has been the adoption of BPaL/M, a second-line treatment regimen which lasts only 6 months rather than 2 years. This innovative approach has been progressively implemented in both community and detention areas, offering renewed hope for more effective and accessible TB treatment in Iraq.
Central to Iraq’s success has been the implementation of a real-time, web-based and case-based platform on DHIS2. This serves as a tool for surveillance, electronic patient file archiving, and programme performance monitoring. This technology has revolutionized TB service delivery and monitoring, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.
Since Iraq has a low rate of HIV infection, it is not common to encounter this state of coinfection, but NTP Iraq recommends that its facilities screen all those with TB for HIV (testing coverage was 84% in 2023).
A TB survivor’s journey from diagnosis to treatment highlights the human side of this success story: “I was hopeless and never thought I would overcome my disease, but with the support of the health care providers and the effective treatment provided, I am now TB-free and living a healthy life, fearless of affecting my family or friends.”
Marking World TB Day 2024, Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq, hailed Iraq’s achievements in TB control: “Iraq’s success in combating TB exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation. By working together, we can end TB and create a healthier future for all.”
Iraq’s success in combating TB demonstrates the profound impact of collaboration, innovation and the commitment of health actors to improve public health in Iraq.
