Attachments
Baghdad, Iraq – 28 November 2024 – The World Health Organization Country Office in Iraq held a two-day consultative meeting on 27-28 November 2024, bringing together high-level national stakeholders to chart the course for WHO’s new Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) in Iraq. This strategic framework will guide WHO’s support to Iraq over the coming years, emphasizing alignment with Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
The event was attended by representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee, the Ministry of Health, the Religious Endowments, and key national institutions. Senior officials from UN agencies, including World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and IOM, also participated, underscoring the United Nations' collaborative commitment to Iraq’s health sector transformation.
The CCS serves as a vital guidance platform to promote health, prevent risks, and ensure equitable, people-centered services, aiming at Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Central to its development is the engagement of government entities, civil society, and other key stakeholders, whose collective efforts will shape an inclusive and impactful strategy.
Dr. Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative in Iraq, underscored this collaborative approach, stating, “Sustainable health outcomes can only be achieved through the full ownership, stewardship, and commitment of the government and the active participation of private sector and non-state actors, including civil society. The Country Cooperation Strategy reflects this unifying vision, prioritizing evidence, innovation, equity, resilience, localization, sustainability, and accountability.”
The Role of Government and Civil Society in Driving Health Progress
The involvement of Iraq’s government is critical to ensuring that health system reforms align with national development priorities and global commitments. High-level representatives, including those from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee, and the Ministry of Health, played a leading role in shaping the discussions on governance, financing, and institutional capacity strengthening to achieve UHC.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) contributed significantly by representing diverse communities and ensuring the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable populations in the CCS. Their on-the-ground insights and advocacy are essential for addressing social determinants of health, reducing inequities, and fostering community ownership of health initiatives.
Key Themes and Discussions
The two-day consultation explored the following priority areas:
- Strengthening health system governance to enhance accountability and leadership.
- Expanding universal health coverage to improve access to quality health services.
- Addressing social determinants of health and reducing inequities, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
- Building resilience against emergencies and climate change impacts.
Alignment with Agenda 2030 and UNSDCF
The CCS supports Iraq’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). It is also closely linked to the UNSDCF, ensuring coordinated multi-sectoral efforts to address the health challenges facing Iraq and its population.
The outcomes of this consultative process will shape the CCS, ensuring it is a comprehensive and inclusive framework to guide WHO, the UN system, and Iraq’s collaborative efforts toward a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous future.
For more information, please contact:
Risk Communication Officer, Dr. Alyaa Mohamed
Email: mohamedal@who.int
Health System Lead, Dr. Aamr Bebany
Email: bebanya@who.int