Mission and objectives

The overall mandate of the WHO Iraq- UHC/Health Systems & Life Course team is to strengthen health systems in Iraq in order to make progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The Essential Drugs and Other Medicines (EDM) technical officer within the country team of UHC/Health Systems & Life Course contributes to two flagship priority areas of work in Iraq 1) improved access to essential medicines for UHC and 2) building national capacities for prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance. The main objective of the programme is to promote policies, build health system capacities and provide evidence-based guidance to Iraqi Ministry of Health, partners, and in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to improve access and promote rational use of safe, efficacious, quality, and affordable essential drugs and other medicines.

Context

Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) assessment is a crucial process for understanding how climate change impacts health systems and identifying strategies to build resilience. The assessment examines the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of health systems to climate-related hazards. It aims to highlight the key health vulnerabilities affected by climate change, like extreme temperatures, air pollution, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne diseases. Conducting a V&A assessment allows countries like Iraq to pinpoint the most significant health risks posed by climate change, assess the readiness of healthcare systems to handle these risks, and identify gaps that need addressing. The process provides essential data for developing targeted adaptation strategies, which are crucial for protecting public health and maintaining healthcare services during climate-related shocks. In line with global initiatives, including commitments made during COP26, Iraq’s Ministry of Health, alongside the Ministry of Environment, and with the support of the WHO, is leading efforts to assess climate vulnerabilities in health. These efforts are integral to forming a comprehensive Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) that addresses the identified risks and ensures that the healthcare system can adapt and remain resilient in the face of ongoing and future climate challenges.

Task Description

We seek three volunteers with a health background to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in collecting and analyzing evidence on how climate change is affecting health in Iraq. Key Responsibilities: – Gather insights from health sector workers and policymakers on the objectives and progress of Iraq’s Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). – Review and analyze recent studies and data on the health impacts of climate change, emphasizing vulnerable populations and regions in Iraq. – Compile findings into a comprehensive report that will support the development of targeted health adaptation strategies.

Competencies and values

Living conditions and remarks