FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2004
 

IRAQ MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND UNICEF
LEAD EMERGENCY RESPONSE INITIATIVES

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – The Iraq Ministry of Health and UNICEF announce the delivery of emergency supplies to Fallujah, Ramadi, An Najaf, Karbala’, and Baghdad’s Sadr City to ensure the health of citizens in Iraq’s conflicted areas. The initiatives are in cooperation with the Red Crescent Society and the World Health Organization and supported by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This emergency-response initiative is implemented as part of an overall $36.7 million USAID grant to UNICEF.

To date, the program has delivered: 348 first aid kits, 54 emergency health kits, 8 obstetrical surgical kits, 4,500 5-ml syringes, and 4,200 flexible drinking water bags. Additional supplies were delivered to the Fallujah Displaced Persons camp. Supplies included first aid kits, emergency health kits, tents, blankets, water bags, water tanks, soap and detergent.

Under the USAID grant, UNICEF is providing basic health services to the most vulnerable populations with a focus on women and children. The grant supports primary health care services through Ministry of Health clinics by providing funds for essential medicines, vaccines, and micronutrients as well as establishing a referral system for serious cases of malnourishment in children. The grant is also providing training to staff at medical facilities, supporting health education initiatives, and improving water supply and sanitation systems.

This grant is part of USAID's overall relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. USAID works in close coordination with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). For more information on CPA’s and USAID's reconstruction efforts in Iraq including photos, please visit www.cpa-iraq.org  and www.usaid.gov/iraq/.

 

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