The World Health Organization (WHO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have delivered essential medical equipment and supplies to Al-Shatra Hospital in Dhi Qar governorate in southern Iraq. 

The new equipment is necessary to increase the hospital's capacity to boost infection prevention and control (IPC) and enable it to provide quality health care services and specialized interventions, including anaesthetic and intensive care services. 

The delivery of the equipment is part of a 10-month project, valued at approximately US$ 700 000, aimed at enhancing a comprehensive IPC strategy to reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality of people in Iraq by curbing further transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases.