The World Health Organization (WHO) will convene a ministerial consultation from 29 to 30 July in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic to address the health needs of Iraqis in neighbouring countries. The Ministries of Health of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic will discuss how to ensure delivery of health care to the more than 2 million Iraqis estimated to reside in these three countries following the insecurity in Iraq. The conference will be attended by representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the four countries, together with ICRC, IFRC, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF and UNOCHA.

"We need to work with all partners to address the key health needs of Iraqis. To achieve this, a greater level of coordination and joint work between national authorities and humanitarian health partners is necessary. We also need to reach consensus on the mechanisms to be put in place in each neighbouring country for ensuring health care coverage for Iraqis that have been displaced outside their country", stated Dr Hussein A. Gezairy, WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The host countries are coping with the situation by covering the Iraqis through their national health systems. However, with thousands leaving Iraq every month, the national services are overwhelmed by the growing demand.

Participants will review the available information on the current health situation among the Iraqis, their access to health services and how the host countries are coping with the additional demand. They will discuss also the best strategies to cope with the influx of people and the possible resources required to meet the needs.