Iraq Advances One Health Agenda with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Support: Ministries of Health and Agriculture to Sign Cooperation Framework

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Baghdad, in the presence of Dr. Hani Moussa Badr Al-Aqabi Technical Deputy of the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Raed Kazem Al-Haddad, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture representing the Minister, alongside Dr. Thamer Habib Hamza, Director General of the Veterinary Department and the official signatory on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Riad Abdul Ameer Al-Hilfi, Director General of the Public Health Department and the official signatory on behalf of the Ministry of Health , and Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan FAO Iraq representative and team. 

This framework was developed with the support and partnership of FAO, in coordination with a joint committee of technical and legal experts from both ministries, to address challenges that have persisted for many years — most notably overlapping legislation, which had hindered the delivery of veterinary and health services.

FAO has provided technical and legal support throughout all stages of the preparation process, in close cooperation and coordination with both ministries. The Organization facilitated consultations and ensured that the framework is aligned with national priorities and international standards, thereby strengthening institutional coordination between the veterinary and public health sectors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Riad Abdul Ameer Al-Hilfi, highlighted the significance of this step, stating: “This framework represents an important achievement toward strengthening collaboration between the health and veterinary sectors, establishing clearer and more effective institutional coordination mechanisms contributing to the control of communicable diseases and the protection of health in Iraq.”

Dr. Thamer Habib Hamza, emphasized the value of this milestone, stating: “The signing of this framework strengthens the complementarity between the agricultural and health sectors and lays the foundation for a new phase of joint work based on clearly defined roles and responsibilities, ultimately enhancing the quality and efficiency of veterinary and public health services.”

Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting the Government of Iraq, saying: “This milestone reflects the Government of Iraq’s leadership in embracing the One Health approach and stands as a model of effective collaboration between national sectors.  He also extended his thanks to the Technical Deputies of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, the Directors General of the Veterinary and Public Health Departments, and the national and international FAO teams for their follow-up and coordination efforts, which were instrumental in achieving the signing of this important framework.”

This initiative contributes to Iraq’s progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It reflects FAO’s long-term commitment to supporting Iraq in strengthening governance, fostering inter-ministerial collaboration, and advancing integrated approaches to sustainable development.