28 September 2023, Baghdad, Iraq – WHO in Iraq expresses profound sorrow over the loss of numerous innocent lives in Al-Hamdaniya District, Nineveh governorate, Iraq. The devastating incident unfolded on the evening of Tuesday 26 September 2023 at a local banquet hall, resulting in 93 deaths and more than 100 people injured.

In response to this tragic crisis, WHO has taken immediate action to support efforts by Iraq’s Ministry of Health to provide critical medical assistance to the injured. Urgent medical supplies, including comprehensive hospital supply kits, have been allocated to Al-Hamdaniya General Hospital, Al-Jamhoury Hospital and the Mosul Specialized Centre for Burns and Constructive Surgery to ensure that sufficient essential resources are available.

Furthermore, WHO has collaborated with national efforts to swiftly mobilize additional first-line response resources for the transportation and treatment of the injured in Mosul and Erbil hospitals. This collaborative effort aimed to assist local health authorities in delivering vital medical care with the utmost urgency.

Dr Wael Hatahit, acting WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq, extended the Organization’s heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those affected by the tragic incident in Al-Hamdaniya. “WHO in Iraq commends the Ministry of Health’s tireless efforts and stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the injured,” he said.

WHO’s response to this tragic event has been marked by swift technical and logistical coordination with national health authorities to speed up the recovery of the affected community in Al-Hamdaniya during this difficult period.

For more information, contact:

Ajyal Sultany
Communications Officer
WHO Iraq Country Office
Telephone: +964 77 40 89 28 78
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it