6 October 2024, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq – The World Health Organization (WHO) took part in the International Symposium on the Importance and Role of Educational and Psychological Guidance in Society and the Labour Market, held last month in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the health, education and humanitarian sectors, focused on the integration of mental health support in primary health care and the educational system, and on developing mental health support for the workforce.

The symposium highlighted the importance of collaborations between WHO and the Ministry of Health, local authorities and non-state actors to enhance mental health services. Such partnerships help embed WHO mental health tools within primary health care services and educational institutions, ensuring that effective mental health support is available across the country.

Two Symposium sessions were dedicated to the professional development of university and college educators, underlining the importance of psychological counseling in fostering a healthy and resilient workforce. In the second session, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo reiterated WHO’s long-term commitment to integrating mental health into the health and education sectors not just in response to crises but as an essential pillar for rebuilding and stabilizing communities.