KRG, WHO Strengthen Partnership to Advance Healthcare
By bolstering its relationship with WHO, the KRG is ensuring sustainable improvements in healthcare infrastructure and public health services.
Jan. 26, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Health Dr. Saman Barzinji highlighted the strong partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday, underlining considerable achievements in healthcare development and future collaboration.
A Model Partnership
Minister Barzinji praised the close relationship between the Kurdistan Region and WHO at a press conference, describing it as one of the strongest partnerships in the Middle East and globally.
He accredited this success to active participation in international ministerial health meetings in Geneva, which have brought considerable benefits to the Kurdistan Region.
“This partnership is a testament to the region’s growing capacity in healthcare management and its ability to cooperate efficiently with international organizations,” Barzinji stated.
Achievements in Collaboration
The partnership has yielded considerable achievements in key areas, including scientific health expertise and research, disease control measures to combat epidemics, training programs for healthcare professionals, and recommendations and insights from international organizations.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has provided over $15 million in financial support for several projects, greatly improving the Kurdistan Region’s healthcare infrastructure and pandemic response.
WHO’s Commitment to the Kurdistan Region
Professor Dr Georges Alfred Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative in Iraq, expressed appreciation for the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) proactive role in enhancing healthcare.
Conveying greetings from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, Dr. Alfred Ki-Zerbo highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the organizations, particularly during the pandemic.
Dr. Alfred Ki-Zerbo stated that WHO remains committed to supporting healthcare initiatives in the Kurdistan Region, building on their shared success during the COVID-19 response.
Future Projects and Support
The Ministry of Health has effectively launched several projects with WHO’s support, directly benefiting patients across the Kurdistan Region.
These initiatives include facility renovations, training programs, and improved access to medical supplies.
Dr. Alfred Ki-Zerbo confirmed WHO’s continued commitment to healthcare development in the region, ensuring sustained progress in disease control, research, and training.
A Strategic Path Forward
This collaboration demonstrates the Kurdistan Region’s dedication to advancing healthcare services through strategic partnerships with global organizations.
By bolstering its relationship with WHO, the KRG is ensuring sustainable improvements in healthcare infrastructure and public health services.
The partnership between WHO and the Kurdistan Region highlights the importance of international cooperation in building resilient healthcare systems and addressing public health challenges effectively.