Iraq has taken a major step in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the finalization, following a recent national multi-stakeholder workshop held in Baghdad, of its updated National Action Plan (NAP) for 2026–2030.

The workshop was jointly organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Iraq and the Ministry of Health, with technical guidance from WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and support from ReAct Africa. It brought together representatives from all relevant line ministries – ­environment, agriculture and higher education and scientific research ­– and Ministry of Health directorates, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Médicine sans Frontières and the private sector.

Intense discussions and cross-sectoral group work focused on ensuring the updated NAP was:

technically sound and reflected the latest global standards;

relevant in addressing the local Iraqi context; and

practical and measurable, with a clear path from planning to action.

The workshop also aimed to strengthen national ownership, deepen institutional collaboration and create the foundations for accountability and resource mobilization moving forward.

“The updated National Action Plan on AMR is a strategic framework to strengthen Iraq’s health system. Its successful implementation relies on strong national and international collaboration to meet its vital objectives in protecting future generations, supported by coordinated multisectoral action and strong political advocacy to ensure high-level commitment, policy alignment and joint efforts across all sectors,” said Ministry of Health Director General of Public Health Dr Riyadh Abdul Ameer.