Demographic Transition in Iraq Programme Concludes After Five Years of Achievements and Partnerships

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Government of Iraq, both the Federal and Kurdistan Region of Iraq Government and supported by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), marked the successful conclusion of the Demographic Transition in Iraq Programme (DTIP) during a high-level ceremony held today in Baghdad.

The event brought together senior government officials (from Federal and Kurdistan Region of Iraq Government), representatives of the British Embassy, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and technical experts to reflect on five years of partnership and achievements in advancing Iraq's demographic transition agenda and supporting sustainable development.

Launched in 2021, the Demographic Transition in Iraq Programme was designed to support Iraq in harnessing demographic opportunities through stronger health systems, improved population data and analysis, enhanced institutional capacities, and investments in women, adolescents, and young people. Throughout its implementation, DTIP contributed to strengthening evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration across sectors to address population dynamics and development challenges.

The programme is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Iraq, particularly in advancing human capital development, improving access to quality and inclusive health services, strengthening evidence-based governance, and empowering women and young people. Through investments in population data, health systems, and national capacities, the programme has supported national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate progress towards more inclusive and sustainable development.

**H.E Dr. Abdul Hussein Al-Mousawi, The Minister of Health stated**

“Over the past five years, the programme supported significant advancements in reproductive health and family planning services across Iraq. Working closely with UNFPA and WHO, DTIP facilitated the rollout of the electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) for family planning commodities in multiple governorates and strengthened the capacity of more than 1,100 healthcare workers to utilize the system effectively. The programme also supported the establishment and rehabilitation of Centers of Excellence in several governorates, helping improve access to quality reproductive health services for women and families. Furthermore, support to health facilities, including the Al-Amal Centre in Ninewa, contributed to the provision of integrated services for vulnerable populations and communities affected by conflict.”

** Mr. Serwan Mohammed, the Deputy Minister of Planning for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) - Iraq and the acting President of the Kurdistan Region Statistics Office (KRSO), stated:**

“A key pillar of the initiative focused on strengthening national and Regional capacities in demographic analysis and population data management. Through partnerships with federal institutions, the project supported and aimed to the enhancement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), strengthened demographic research and analysis capacities, and promoted the use of reliable population data in development planning and policy formulation. These efforts have and will contribute to building a stronger evidence base for decision-making and long-term development planning by the federal and regional governments.”

H.E. Irfan Siddiq, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Iraq stated: **

“The success of the Demographic Transition in Iraq Programme reflects the strength of the partnership between the Government of Iraq (both the Federal Government and Kurdistan Region of Iraq), the United Kingdom, UNFPA, WHO, civil society organisations, and national stakeholders. Together, we have supported improved health outcomes, empowered young people, strengthened national institutions, and enhanced the use of data to inform development planning. As this programme concludes, its legacy will continue through the stronger systems, partnerships, and capacities it has helped build. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Iraq's efforts to achieve inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development.”

DTIP also placed a strong emphasis on empowering adolescents and young people. Through school-based and community initiatives, thousands of young people gained access to life-skills education, reproductive health information, and youth-friendly services. The programme strengthened the capacities of healthcare providers and educators to better respond to the needs of adolescents and youth, helping create more supportive and inclusive environments for future generations.

**Dr. Hind Jalal, UNFPA Representative in Iraq, said:**

"Since 2021, our shared vision has been to empower women, young people, and the most vulnerable populations to exercise their rights and realize their full potential. Through this partnership, we have not only delivered services but also strengthened institutions, supported evidence-based policies, and built systems that will continue to benefit Iraq for years to come."

While celebrating the project's achievements, participants emphasized that the conclusion of DTIP marks the beginning of a new phase of national ownership and sustainability. Building on the capacities, systems, and partnerships established through the initiative, the Government of Iraq and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to improve reproductive health services, strengthen population data systems, invest in young people, and ensure that demographic opportunities contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations Reproductive Health Agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. In Iraq, UNFPA works with government institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and development partners to improve reproductive health, prevent and respond to ending violence against women and girls, empower young people, strengthen population data systems, and support evidence-based policies and programmes that contribute to sustainable development.