World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Iraq Dr Jamela Al-Raiby said on Friday that health sector reform and digital transformation are among the organization’s key priorities in Iraq, noting that Iraq is witnessing an important stage in the development of the health sector.

Al-Raiby told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The organization’s work stems from the priorities of the Iraqi government and the government programme, in a manner consistent with the strategies of the Ministry of Health and national development plans.”

She explained that “the priorities focus on reforming the health sector, strengthening primary healthcare, combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, protecting maternal and child health, preparedness for health emergencies, addressing environmental challenges and the effects of climate change, building national capacities, and transferring expertise and international standards.”

She added that “the organization supports the Ministry of Health’s efforts to develop the primary healthcare model, enhance universal health coverage, improve the quality of health services, develop the referral system, and improve the efficiency of the health workforce, thereby contributing to building a more efficient, equitable and sustainable health system.”