WHO and Ministry of Health of Iraq endorse joint programme of cooperation for 2016–2017

Mr Altaf Musani, WHO Representative in Iraq, Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Dr Adila Hamoud, the Minister of Health of Iraq11 February 2016, Baghdad, Iraq -- WHO and the Ministry of Health of Iraq, yesterday in Baghdad, reviewed and endorsed the 2-year cycle joint programme of cooperation between WHO and the Government of Iraq for the biennium 2016–2017. 

The biennial programme of work endorsed by Her Excellency the Minister of Health of Iraq Dr Adila Hamoud and WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ala Alwan is the result of intense consultation between WHO and technical teams from the Ministry of Health over the past few weeks.

“Considering the serious challenges currently facing the country, WHO will ensure that its technical and operational assistance, in support of the Ministry of Health, is targeted and has maximum impact. Our joint efforts will focus on agreed priority public health programmes that contribute to national, regional and global health security taking into account the combined financial, security and humanitarian crisis the country is experiencing,” says Dr Alwan.

“Priority areas of joint cooperation between WHO and the Ministry of Health will seek to address urgent health needs of millions of internally displaced persons, refugees and host communities who have been displaced from their homes, as well as the needs of returnees in newly liberated areas,” says Dr Adila Hammoud, Minister of Health of Iraq. 

The programmes defined for the 2016–2017 biennium cover priority areas – communicable and noncommunicable diseases; promoting health through the life course; health systems strengthening; preparedness, surveillance and response to emergencies; and immunization programmes, including polio. 

The endorsed programme of cooperation will be regularly reviewed and adjusted, as needed, taking into consideration the often changing priorities in the country.    

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