Critical health facilities in Iraq are facing closures due to a lack of funding, which leaves nearly one million people without access to basic medicines and healthcare.
Since the end of the Mosul campaign over year ago, the support for health facilities in Iraq saw a substantial decline. Four health partners have already shut down 22 health service delivery points in 2018 to this fund shortage.
Now, critical gaps are present in the provision of healthcare for children, women and men who are still displaced from their homes, as well as those who have returned to areas with highly damaged infrastructure.
What does the future hold for Iraqi health facilities?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 38% of health facilities supported by nine health cluster partners are at risk of closure by the end of July 2018.
This will result in an increased risk of communicable diseases outbreaks, as well as the roll back of recovery efforts in those areas severely compromised by conflict.
Currently, these facilities offer health services to over 900,000 displaced Iraqis and residents of host communities, including:
- Treatment of common diseases
- Gynaecological services
- Vaccinations for children
- Nutrition screening and
- Referral of complicated medical cases for advanced treatment.
What funding has Iraq received for healthcare?
Only $8.4m (~€7m) of the $67.4 million required by health cluster partners for the Iraq Humanitarian Response Plan for 2018 has been funded.
To ensure the continuation of health services in newly-accessible governorates of Iraq, $54m is needed under the Humanitarian Response Plan.
Health partners have treated over 1.2 million Iraqis since 2018, which is why they play such a crucial role in providing healthcare for displaced people in host communities in the country.
Who are the health cluster partners?
There are over 700 partners at country level, with 52 of those engaging at a global level. This collection of partners to ensure that the response to health emergencies is more timely, effective and predictable.
The partners include:
- International organisations and UN agencies
- Nongovernmental organisations
- National authorities
- Specialised agencies
- Affected communities
- Academic and training institutes and
- Donor agencies.
