Iraq establishes national emergency medical teams to counter health risks

Iraq established its first 12 national Type 1 Emergency Medical Teams to improve the country's ability to respond to medical crises and public health threats.

The World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated with the Iraqi Ministry of Health to create these teams, distributing them across six health directorates. This initiative aims to build a sustainable national system for rapid medical response to handle mass casualties, population displacements, and disease outbreaks.

The program addresses a complex environment of risks in Iraq, including regional conflicts, climate change impacts like extreme heatwaves, and the health requirements of large religious gatherings. The World Health Organization says that these capabilities are essential for the country to manage sudden pressures on basic health services and ensure a rapid, effective response during emergencies. Between August 30 and September 3, 2026, the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health supported an intensive five-day training program in Baghdad.

The training involved 24 doctors, nurses, and other emergency workers. Participants practiced technical skills, real-world case scenarios, and field exercises based on a primary emergency care course developed by the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The training also covered infection prevention and control, as well as the use of trauma backpacks and medical supplies.

Five trainers from the Ministry of Health's Directorate of Operations and Emergency Medical Services led the sessions to ensure the program remains under national ownership. The initiative helps Iraq comply with international health regulations and prepares the country to manage sudden surges in demand for health services.