WHO Iraq concludes a 2-week COVID19 prevention and awareness campaign in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The campaign targeted a population of approximately 4 million people including the refugees and internally displaced population (IDPs) in the KR-I. It also engaged the community through the mobilization of more than 300 volunteers deployed to serve 20 sites in the governorates of Erbil and Duhok.

“The recent resurgence of the virus worldwide scaled up the challenge for WHO and the health authorities in Iraq; and until a treatment or a vaccive is globally introduced, we will have to maintain our collaboration and joint action to control the spread of the pandemic and raise the community awareness on the importance of mask-wearing, physical distancing, and good hygiene practices,” said Dr. Adham Ismail, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq.

“We urge all brothers and sisters in Kurdistan Region and Iraq at large to protect themselves and their families against this disease and try to regain their normal life activities,” Dr. Ismail added.

The campaign activities in Duhok was mapped out in close coordination with the Duhok Directorate of Health. Ten sites were jointly selected for awareness and prevention messages including the four IDP camps of Koberto 1 & 2, Khanki, and Shariya where over 56,000 vulnerable people are still accommodated with limited health care services.

“Duhok Directorate of Health extends its thanks to WHO for their efforts to conduct this campaign in Duhok,” said Dr. Nezar Ismet, Director General of Duhok DOH. “The health directorate has taken a series of COVID19 preventive measures in the governorate but we look forward to further collaboration with health partners like WHO to contain the infection and increase people’s awareness of and commitment to health recommendations,” he added.

The community engagement has achieved its role with the mobilized volunteers going tent to tent in IDP camps and visiting public places, markets, family parks, and heavily populated areas to educate Duhok population on major preventive measures focusing on wearing masks at all times, maintaining social distance everywhere possible, and keeping hands clean by washing them with clean water and soap for no less than 30 seconds.

WHO would like to renew its appreciation to the people and government of Germany for supporting the campaign which has been implemented by WHO implementing partner the United Iraqi Medical Society (UIMS).