WHO maintains support to conflict-affected communities in Ninewa with delivery of 150 wheelchairs

Since the liberation of Mosul, WHO worked alongside the Ministry of Health to support three physical rehabilitation units in west Mosul, Talafar, and Sinjar districts. Through this partnership, quality services are provided to over 2000 people with special needs and of different age groups in the governorate.

“Access to assistive technologies is essential for people with special needs and the benefits of these devices have been increasingly recognized worldwide,” said Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq. “Without these devices, these vulnerable persons with special-needs may never be educated adequately or be able to work,” he added.

“WHO renews its commitment to working with the Ministry of Health, partners and donors, to maintain comprehensive physical rehabilitation services including an adequate provision of assistive technologies to women, men, and children with physical impairments in the most conflict-affected governorate of Ninewa and all over Iraq,” Dr. Zouiten explained.

Over the past two years, WHO, in collaboration with the national health authorities expanded the range of specialized health services for people with physical disabilities to ensure easy access to physiotherapy and psychosocial support programmes, especially for those who have been internally displaced. In 2019, a survey was conducted to identify people with disabilities (PWDs) in and out of the displacement camps. The survey findings revealed the presence of 1300 new PWDs, of which 95% were living in internally displaced population (IDP) camps, 58% were male, and 61% were in need of assistive devices and required wheelchairs.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children while they climb on their first wheelchairs, fills our hearts with joy, and gives us the energy and the drive to continue supporting these initiatives” concluded Dr. Zouiten.

This initiative would not have been possible without the generous contribution from USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). Together we made a step in the right direction to alleviate the suffering of people with disabilities in Ninewa Governorate.