World Health Organisation praises World Vision's effort in Iraq

Dr. Sami Abdel Rahman Ibrahim, World Health Organization (WHO) Head of office in Sulaymaniyah has commended World Vision for providing mobile clinics for internally-displaced people (IDPs) in Iraq.

While touring the Sitak camp in Sulaymaniyah where World Vision will lead the health programme, Dr. Ibrahim applauded World Vision’s response to the rising need for proper health care in the camps and communities where some of the more than two million displaced by recent outbreaks of violence have taken refuge.

He said: “I am satisfied with World Vision’s work and I rely on you to get more things done. 

You (World Vision) are taking health services to the people in the places where the need is the greatest, instead of asking the people to come to fixed clinics and health facilities – this is what is required for these people.”

Dr. Sami Abdel Rahman Ibrahim lamented the plight of the more than 1,700 IDP children in need of healthcare especially vaccinations for polio and the measles.

It is estimated that one-fourth of the more than 2 million internally displaced people who have sought refuge in the Kurdish region of Iraq are children – the majority are spread around the three Governorates of Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah. World Vision is responding in all these areas. 

According to Dr. Ali Shah, manager of World Vision’s Health programming in Iraq, the best way to be able to serve the IDPs’ most urgent concerns is to establish good partnerships, work together and share resources that would help maximize impact to the lives of the families, especially the children.

“World Vision has come to be recognised in Sulaimaniyah as a key partner for the Government and the United Nations agencies, particularly in the Health Sector,” says Dr. Ali.

“We received funding, equipment and medicines from WHO, whose full support gave this initiative a huge boost,” he added. 

World Vision has been working in the Kurdish Region of Iraq to provide core relief items such as mattresses, plastic sheeting for insulation and blankets, as well as hygiene kits and babies' items. In addition, in response to the winter season, World Vision has been providing winter clothing, heaters and heating fuel, as well as assisting with medical care and transportation. 

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