WHO, the Ministry of Health of Iraq, and UNHCR host the inaugural Health and Nutrition Working Group
Aiming to improve the health of Syrian refugees in Iraq
On Monday 28 October 2013, the Ministry of Health of Iraq, WHO, and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) held the first Health and Nutrition Working Group meeting in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The meeting focused on the specific health and nutritional needs of all Syrian refugees in Iraq.
The inaugural working group discussed the need for the establishment of a sustainable surveillance system that can competently monitor disease trends among Syrian refugees inside and outside the camps. Similarly, the construction of health centres in the refugee camps is a priority. Supplying prefabricated caravans will ensure accessible health services.
WHO Officer in charge Dr Rebaz Lak stated that, “This meeting is vital to the basic health of Syrians as it comprehensively covers all issues related to health and nutrition on a national level. Through this collaborative effort we will create a health strategy that will cover both Iraq and the Kurdistan region, something unique to the health sector in Iraq.”
During the working group, WHO reaffirmed their commitment to the Ministry of Health stating that they will continue to provide the necessary medications (for both emergency and chronic diseases), and any other needed technical support.
The Health and Nutrition Working Group has not only established a strong coordination method for all health sector partners in Iraq, but has reaffirmed WHO’s and its partner’s commitment to improving the health services for all Syrian refugees in Iraq.
