In 2025, Iraq introduced the 2025–2030 National Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, a major milestone in its health sector reform. Developed under the technical leadership of WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and UNFPA, the strategy prioritizes the needs of the population in shaping health policies and services. It is anchored on the six pillars of a resilient health system and backed by a fully budgeted national action plan aimed at expanding healthcare in rural, underserved, and conflict-affected areas, standardizing services, and strengthening infrastructure.
The strategy is designed to ensure equitable and high-quality care across the country. Iraq now utilizes the Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) to track real-time data, guiding the optimal deployment of more than 400,000 health workers. Digital tools like DHIS2 support targeted interventions through detailed data collection by age, gender, and location. Healthcare facilities are being modernized with essential equipment, supplies, and technologies to improve safety and service quality.
Financial sustainability is ensured through a nationally developed costing tool that secures resources for the strategy’s action plan. Early results demonstrate impact: at Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital, the upgraded neonatal unit has reduced neonatal mortality from 6.2% to 1.1%, with cases such as a premature infant born at 26 weeks and weighing 900 grams making a full recovery thanks to specialized care.
This national strategy reaffirms Iraq’s commitment to ensuring that women, children, and adolescents across the country have access to the healthcare and support they need to survive, thrive, and live with dignity.
