WHO Regional Director Concludes Four-Day Visit to Iraq, Strengthening Partnerships for Health and Resilience

Baghdad/Erbil, 20 September 2025 - The Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region, Dr Hanan Balkhy, concluded a five-day official visit to Iraq, where she met with leaders, health officials and communities in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil to reaffirm WHO's commitment to advancing health for all people in Iraq.

During her visit to Baghdad, Dr Balkhy met with H.E. President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, H.E. Dr Salih Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health, and other senior national and regional officials. Discussions focused on digital health transformation, sustainable health financing, strengthening the health workforce, and addressing environmental health challenges.

Dr Balkhy also visited Al-Canal Hospital for Social Rehabilitation, where she commended Iraq's efforts to expand mental health and substance use services. She also emphasized the importance of sustained investment in mental health as a cornerstone of resilient communities.

In Basra, Dr Balkhy met with the Governor of Basra, H.E. Asad Al-Edani, focusing on pressing environmental and public health issues, including water scarcity, heat and pollution. She also toured Iraq's iconic marshlands, where she stressed the importance of the link between climate change and public health, and called for stronger multisectoral action.

In Erbil, Dr. Balkhy met with Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Barzani on Foreign Affairs and Climate Change, and H.E. Dr. Saman Barzinji, the Kurdistan Region's Minister of Health, to strengthen collaboration across Iraq's regions. She also attended the handover of WHO's first fully digital warehouse to the Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

"I am impressed by the progress that I have seen in Iraq, and I reiterate WHO's firm commitment to supporting the Government of Iraq in achieving a healthier, more prosperous future for its people," said Dr Balkhy.

Throughout the mission, Dr Balkhy reaffirmed WHO's dedication to advancing the One Health approach, strengthening pharmaceutical regulation and production, promoting digital health tools for stronger immunization and data systems and supporting Iraq's vision for equitable, sustainable healthcare.