On their special day, Iraq’s nurses celebrate their dedication and heroic humanitarian contributions

On 12 May every year, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of nurses in Iraq and worldwide. Among them is Mushtaq Najm Addin, a paediatric nurse at Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Centre at Childre’s Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad.

Mushtaq lives in a small district about 30 km south of Baghdad. His early mornings involve a 2-hour commute to work, often on crowded roads and with occasional traffic jams. Despite these difficulties, he arrives at the hospital each day with a beaming smile, ready to care for the young patients in need of specialized attention. “I want to see hope reflected in their smiles when they look at me,” said Mushtaq. “Yes, I may arrive tired, but part of my job is to show them that recovery is possible.”

Mushtaq’s work at Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Centre at Childre’s Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad is not without its challenges. He faces the psychological and physical strains of his profession, enduring long, unpredictable hours and seeing children in pain and discomfort. “I sometimes feel frustrated and stressed but the support of the medical team I work with gives me the strengthen and resolve to fulfil my duties,” Mushtaq said.

“I arrived at the office this morning and immediately checked on little Sara, a 6-year-old girl battling leukaemia. I had left her sleeping late last night after examining her condition and administering her medication,” he said with a voice heavy with sorrow. “I couldn’t stop thinking about her all night; I have a daughter her age.”

Mushtaq, who holds a PhD in paediatric nursing, believes that continuous learning is crucial for success in the medical field. His daily experiences reinforce his pride in being a university-educated nurse, his skills allowing him to send families home with healed sons and daughters. He takes comfort in witnessing the joy of families as they see their children recover to laugh and talk with them in comfort once more.

To mark World Nursing Day, WHO Iraq highlights Mushtaq’s story, which emphasizes his unwavering dedication to his profession and his young patients. His experiences resonate with those of many university-educated nurses in Iraq who face similar challenges. “My profession requires resilience, strength and patience to support families during difficult times,” Mushtaq remarked.

Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq, stressed the crucial role of nurses like Mushtaq in the health system. He praised their unwavering dedication and teamwork, recognizing their significant contributions in supporting families through both joyful and difficult times. “WHO takes pride in supporting nursing services in Iraq, recognizing their essential role in safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations,” remarked Dr Ki-Zerbo.