With the support of WHO’s core contributors, the Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Hospital in Sulaymaniyah completes the 2nd phase of its renovation and expansion project

The three-phase project which started in July 2020 with a total cost of US$1,250,000 will enable the 65-bed facility to provide advanced healthcare services to burn cases including explosion and war casualties, all types of skin cancers, and children with congenital anomalies.

The project also came in line with WHO quest to transition its support from pure humanitarian to developmental investments in the health sector in Iraq to ensure long-run responses to the growing health needs of approximately 33,000 Syrian Refugees and over 150,000 internally displaced population (IDPs) that are still hosted by Sulaymaniyah community of about 1.5 million people.

“This project is a demonstration of the strategic shift in the active partnership with the national health authorities, donors, and implementing partners,” said Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq.

“Such major lifesaving investments are the cornerstones for WHO transition from pure humanitarian responses to wider developmental programs focusing on building resilient health care system in Kurdistan Region and Iraq at large,” he added.

The facility is now functioning with a new well-equipped structure and better-prepared medical staff to undertake lifesaving interventions of the highest standards. As of November 2022, more than 1133 major, 178 burn, and 1208 plastic surgeries were conducted.

“The support of our generous donors and national counterparts has enabled WHO to embark on more sustainable healthcare projects that will lead to a smooth transition from good to best in all health areas in the country,” Dr. Ahmed concluded.

The renovation and expansion of Sulaymaniyah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Hospital to better respond to the health needs of all vulnerable segments of the Iraqi society, especially refugees and IDPs, would not have been possible without the generous contribution by the US Department of State Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM).