WHO Iraq highlights the important role played by educational and psychological counseling

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the health, education and humanitarian sectors, focused on the integration of mental health support in primary health care and the educational system, and on developing mental health support for the workforce. 

The symposium highlighted the importance of collaborations between WHO and the Ministry of Health, local authorities and non-state actors to enhance mental health services. Such partnerships help embed WHO mental health tools within primary health care services and educational institutions, ensuring that effective mental health support is available across the country. 

Two Symposium sessions were dedicated to the professional development of university and college educators, underlining the importance of psychological counseling in fostering a healthy and resilient workforce. In the second session, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo reiterated WHO’s long-term commitment to integrating mental health into the health and education sectors not just in response to crises but as an essential pillar for rebuilding and stabilizing communities. 

“Mental health is central to life and underlines every stage of human development,” said Dr Ki-Zerbo. 

WHO Iraq highlights the important role played by educational and psychological counseling 

“In collaboration with our partners, WHO is equipping Iraq’s health and education sectors with the tools and competencies to address mental health challenges. Our focus on integrating mental health into primary health care and schools reflects our commitment to creating a more resilient and supportive society, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Drawing attention to the crucial link between mental health and Iraq’s broader developmental goals, and with the Sustainable Development Goals in particular, Dr Ki-Zerbo underlined how investment in mental health services is not just about recovery but about reinforcing sustainable societal progress.

He pointed to WHO’s successful integration of global mental health standards into local contexts, citing Iraq’s humanitarian and primary health care services, where WHO-supported mental health tools are being used to address gaps and strengthen the capacity of health care professionals and educators, as an example.

“As part of its ongoing strategy, WHO Iraq continues to collaborate with academic institutions and local authorities to advance workforce development in Iraq. Through targeted pre-service and in-service training programmes we are empowering educators and counselors to provide the psychological support needed to foster mental resilience and preparedness in the education system and labour market. My gratitude goes to the authorities in Sulaymaniyah, the event organizers and co-panelists for their efforts and collaboration.”

Workforce development and the utilization of WHO mental health tools have a single goal – to help build a healthier, more resilient society that meets the mental health challenges of today and tomorrow.