Iraq

After years of armed conflict and instability, the health sector in Iraq is struggling to get back on its feet. Many health facilities are destroyed and those still operating lack medical supplies and qualified health workers.

Key Activities

Mother and child care

We provide antenatal and postnatal care, as well as services for complicated and non-complicated deliveries, and family planning.

War-wounded

War-related trauma cases are decreasing but the security situation remains fragile. We opened a second operating theatre at our emergency field hospital in Qayyarah, northern Iraq, in March 2018. We've also provided hospitals in Erbil, Zakho and Dohuk with medical supplies for treating the wounded.

Rehabilitation

Many trauma patients will need multiple surgeries, regular dressing changes, pain management, and physiotherapy. MSF has built a post-operative care facility in Mosul and opened a medical rehabilitation centre in Baghdad. Improving patients' post-surgical recovery processes will help prevent complications and physical and psychological impairments.

Mental health

The psychological and emotional scars of the war are immense. That's why mental health is a key component of many of our projects in Iraq. MSF psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors give vital care and support to people with post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, schizophrenia and severe anxiety.

Displaced people

Armed conflict since 2014 has forced an estimated 5.7 million children and adults from their homes. As the remaining cities are re-taken from the Islamic State group, more than two million people have returned home. But a significant number still live in camps and many, especially those from west Mosul, have nowhere to return to.