8 May 2025, Baghdad, Iraq – To mark World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Health, organized a high-level event to highlight progress in public health and promote a shared vision for the future. Held under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, the event brought together senior government officials, UN agencies, donor partners and members of the diplomatic community.

It featured the official launch of the National Strategy for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents, jointly developed by WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and included a high-level panel discussion foregrounding Iraq’s transition from emergency health response to building resilient and sustainable health systems, with a focus on strengthening national leadership, multisectoral collaboration and ensuring equity in health service delivery.

H.E. Dr Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health, stated: “WHO has been a trusted and longstanding partner in supporting Iraq’s health agenda. From emergency response and health system strengthening to technical guidance in developing national strategies, the Organization’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in advancing equitable, resilient and people-centered health services.”

Mr Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, noted:
“The health sector plays a vital role in Iraq’s development and recovery. This event marks a pivotal moment in our shift from emergency response to sustainable, resilient health systems that serve all. As UN partners we are committed to supporting Iraq’s leadership and national health agenda in delivering inclusive and sustainable health care for everyone.”

The panel discussion, moderated by WHO Representative in Iraq Dr Jamela Al-Raiby, included participants from the UN, the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s Office and international partners. The dialogue explored practical approaches to strengthen health systems, invest in early life stages and integrate services across sectors.

Dr Al-Raiby emphasized that the event reflected WHO’s core mission to convene, coordinate and catalyse efforts for healthier communities and reaffirmed the determination to place women, children and adolescents at the heart of health policy and investment.

Recent health achievements in Iraq were highlighted, including reductions in the maternal mortality rate to 29.6 per 100 000 live births, the neonatal mortality rate to 10.5 per 1000 live births and the under-5 mortality rate to 19.7 per 1000 live births

The event concluded with a renewed call for continued collaboration between the Government, the United Nations and the international community.

WHO extends its sincere appreciation to all partners and donors for their continued support in improving health in Iraq. The Organization reaffirms its commitment to Iraq’s national priorities and to working alongside partners to ensure that every child in Iraq is protected by a health system that offers them a promising future.