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Iraq

Answer

In 2003, following increasing concerns regarding drug shortages in Iraq, the World Health Organisation (WHO) set up a task force to look at of the problem.Since then the WHO have been working with the Ministry of Health in Iraq to improve drug supply systems. In addition to training staff, the WHO is working with Iraqis to build new systems, monitor and plan the supply of essential drugs, establish quality control, and assist emergency planning. This has included direct supply of some essential medicines to Iraq.Shortages remain and the WHO advise that the national drug supply management system is still in need of technical and logistical assistance.DFID has given most of its assistance to the Iraqi health sector through financial contributions to international organisations, including the WHO, that have particular expertise in health. These contributions include:"£5 million to the WHO, which has helped to fund the delivery of emergency medical supplies, supported clinics and hospitals in Baghdad and Basra, and supports the Iraqi Government's Health Sector Working Group. More information can be found at: http://www.who.int/en""£32 million to the International Red Cross for immediate humanitarian assistance""£70 million to the United Nations and World Bank multi-donor trust funds for Iraq. These trust funds finance reconstruction in a number of areas including health. The UN trust fund has approved 10 health and nutrition projects, in total valued at $96 million. The World Bank trust fund also has a $25 million health rehabilitation project which finances priority emergency services, including basic medical equipment and essential drugs. More information on both trust funds can be found at: http://www.irffi.org"

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

85873; 449 c49-50W

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Health services Iraq

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk