Opening Remarks by Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, Deputy SRSG, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq on the World Health Day 2025

Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Heads of Mission,
Representatives of the Government of Iraq and partner ministries,
Colleagues from the United Nations and international organizations,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is both an honour and a privilege to join you today in commemorating World Health Day an occasion that not only marks the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948 but also serves as an annual call to action to uphold our shared commitment to advancing public health for all.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” is especially timely for Iraq. It underscores the critical importance of investing in maternal, newborn, and child health as the cornerstone of sustainable development and resilient societies. 

For over 75 years, the World Health Organization has stood with nations in both peace and crisis. From coordinating global responses to cholera, Ebola, and most recently COVID-19, to supporting national immunization campaigns, rebuilding health systems in fragile settings, and setting evidence-based public health standards, WHO has been a steadfast partner in protecting lives and advancing health equity.

In Iraq, WHO continues to work in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and national institutions strengthening emergency preparedness, supporting response mechanisms, promoting public health, and advancing health systems reform.

Today, we also celebrate Iraq’s remarkable progress, led by the Ministry of Health and supported by a broad coalition of national and international partners. Among the milestones:

• The phased implementation of the Health Insurance Law, now covering over 776,000 individuals, is helping to realize the vision of universal health coverage.
• The expansion of Iraq’s health infrastructure and upgraded services across the country is improving access to quality care at every level.
• Innovative service delivery models including mobile clinics, family health centers, and school health units are extending the reach of essential services to remote and underserved areas, embodying Iraq’s commitment to equity and inclusivity.
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And the impact is clear:

• Maternal mortality has decreased to 29.6 per 100,000 live births.
• Neonatal mortality has fallen to 10.5 per 1,000 live births.
• Under-five mortality is now 19.7 per 1,000 live births.

These are more than statistics they represent lives saved, families supported, and a health system on the path to resilience.

We also commend Iraq’s leadership in public health, validated by the World Health Organization through the following key milestones:

• Being officially declared trachoma-free,
  • Becoming the first country globally to transition from the Global Polio Eradication - Initiative to full national ownership.
  • Achieving dual international accreditation for its Field Epidemiology Training Program.

On behalf of the United Nations family in Iraq, we reaffirm our steadfast support for Iraq’s health agenda. Our collaboration is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, currently under final review with the Government ensuring that our collective efforts are strategic, coordinated, and focused on results, especially for women, children, and the most vulnerable.

Looking ahead, allow me to underscore three strategic priorities for our continued partnership:

1. Prioritize equity and inclusivity ensuring that all Iraqis, especially those in remote, underserved, and crisis-affected areas, have access to essential health services.
2. Invest in the health workforce and community engagement strengthening local leadership, partnerships with civil society, and trust in public institutions.
3. Integrate health and climate action by building climate-resilient health systems capable of anticipating, preparing for, and responding to the growing health risks of climate change.

Your Excellency, distinguished colleagues,
Today we celebrate achievements but more importantly, we look toward the opportunities that lie ahead. On behalf of WHO and the broader UN system, I extend our deepest appreciation to the Ministry of Health and to all our national and international partners. Your leadership, commitment, and collaboration are crucial to ensuring that every child born in Iraq is welcomed into a health system that protects their well-being and opens the door to a hopeful, healthy future.

Thank you