National Health Policy 2014 - 2023.

This National Health Policy is a nationwide sectoral document that covers ten year from 2014 to 2023 with the overarching ambition to achieve universal health coverage for all the Iraqi population equitably and cost effective. The document aims at (i) defining the principles, objectives and vision for improving population health and nutrition status and (ii) reducing inequalities in health all over the country. The Policy provides a framework, foundation, and direction for future investment and action in the health sector development. The document argues that a healthy population can only be achieved if there are (i) robust leadership and good governance; (ii) adequate financial, human and physical resources in the health sector; (iii) improvements in environmental hygiene and sanitation; (iv) proper housing and town planning; (v) provision of safe water; (vi) provision of safe food and nutrition; (vii) encouragement of regular physical exercise; (viii) improvements in personal hygiene; (ix) immunization of mothers and children; (x) prevention of injuries in work places; (xi) prevention of road accidents; (xii) practicing of safe reproductive life. The disease profile and mortality patterns of the country are directly linked to these factors. The Ministry of Health is the primary public institution responsible for developing a national health Policy.
The strategic objectives of MoH are (i) to scale up progress towards universal health coverage and increase geographical and financial access to basic services; (ii) to ensure that people live long, healthy and productive lives without increased risks of injury, disability or financial hardship; (iii) to creating and sustain effective and efficient health systems that deliver quality health care services for all; (iv) to ensure availability of adequate resources in the health sector and adopt a firm balance of emergency services and health sector development; (v) to reduce the excessive risk and burden of morbidity, mortality and disability, especially among the poor and vulnerable groups; (vi) to address inequalities of access to health, populations and nutrition services and health outcomes; (vii) to foster closer collaboration and partnership between the health sector and communities, other sectors and private providers. The following principles are adopted to create the enabling environment of the Iraqi health policy (1) health is a right for all Iraqi population; (2) equity; (3) accessible and sustainable quality health care services for all; (4) decentralization;(5) accountability; (6) Family Health is the model to pursue and promote by Iraqi health sector; (7) the right for safe medical practice; (8) professionalism; (9) partnerships.
As for the nutrition aspect, the Policy highlights that balanced food quality, safety and adequate nutritious value and supply, is important and essential for the maintenance of physical and mental health. Vitamin A, protein, iron, folate, iodine and trace elements are among the key nutritious elements that health sector is concerned with. Consequently (i) the Government shall ensure political commitment to prevention and reduction of malnutrition in all its forms and support actions aimed at promoting food security; (ii) the Government shall promote best nutrition practices and effective care of vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and allocate adequate human and financial resources to ensure implementation; (iii) the Ministry shall promote appropriate child feeding practices including optimal breastfeeding and adequate complementation; (iv) the Ministry shall develop micronutrient deficiency control guidelines in line with WHO nutrition strategy, and concerned recommendations and best available practices; (v) the Ministry shall ensure detection and early treatment of nutrition disorders; (vi) the Government shall ensure the quality and safety of food at all stages of production, handling, processing, distribution, storage and preparation; (vii) the Ministry shall strengthen surveillance and Nutrition Information Systems at the community, district, regional and national levels.