WHO and Ministry of Health launch Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) results in Iraq

HeRAMS offers comprehensive data that will revolutionize the decision-making process, drive effective and sustainable actions to improve health outcomes and foster a data-driven culture that prioritizes the use of health metrics and indicators.

The results of the system revealed the WHO and the Ministry of Health teams managed to assess 5205 health facilities, leaving no village untouched. The tool provided comprehensive data and an accurate snapshot of the available resources within the health system.

“This system will enable us to identify weaknesses, determine areas for improvement and allocate resources more accurately, efficiently and effectively,” said Dr Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Iraq. “Our journey does not end here. We already initiated work on the District Health Information System DHIS2, a tool that provides both aggregate and real-time data on disease surveillance and health programs and outcomes.”

The HeRAMS system provides an accurate picture of the availability of human resources, technical requirements, and various health services in all health centers and hospitals throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region and all Iraqi governorates. It also provides an accurate database that allows the fair distribution of resources in line with the needs of the population.

The health sector in Iraq is one of the first sectors to enter the digital club in the country, in line with global advancements and in conformity with the goals set by the Iraqi government.

"Today, we embark on a significant journey towards improving healthcare in Iraq. Let us keep the momentum and continue to make progress towards building a strong health system that ensures universal health coverage and health for all in Iraq," added Dr Zouiten.