WHO and the Ministry of Health, with support from KSrelief, strengthen immunization service readiness in Iraq

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Iraq, in partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Health and with generous support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), continues to strengthen health system readiness by supporting immunization programmes, the vaccine cold chain, and health information systems. These efforts contribute to ensuring the continuity of immunization services and enhancing the health system’s capacity to respond to emergencies.

 

The support included the provision of forklifts, generators, and laptops, enhancing logistical efficiency, helping maintain vaccines at recommended temperatures, and supporting the use of digital systems for planning, response, and evidence-based decision-making.

Dr Firas Al-Khafaji, WHO Iraq’s Communicable Diseases and Immunization Programme Officer, said:

“The success of immunization programmes depends on an integrated health system that safeguards vaccines at every stage and equips health workers with the tools needed to deliver high-quality services. This support demonstrates the importance of partnerships in strengthening health system readiness and protecting the health of communities.”

Dr Mohammed Sabah, Director of the Public Health Department at the Anbar Directorate of Health, said:

“This support has clearly contributed to improving performance and providing the logistical resources required to implement public health programmes.”

This collaboration reflects the commitment of WHO, the Ministry of Health, and KSrelief to supporting Iraq’s health-sector priorities, strengthening the capacity of health institutions to respond to current and future health challenges, and ensuring the continuity of immunization services for all people.

This initiative also contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2029), supporting more resilient, equitable and people-centred health systems in Iraq.

WHO remains committed to working with the Iraqi Ministry of Health and its partners to build a more resilient and sustainable health system and ensure that everyone has access to safe, high-quality health services.