Healing Communities Together
Health and Nutrition
Millions of people in Iraq lack access to essential health services due to conflict, displacement, and lack of resources. One in every five children in Iraq is growing up malnourished, leading to long-term negative impacts on their health (UNICEF).
Due to displacement and previous conflict, many health facilities have been damaged or have lost their staff. This has rendered services unavailable to at least 40% of all displaced people (WHO).
Moreover, an estimated 20% of Iraqis are living with mental illnesses: war and violence have significantly impacted mental health and have led to a high prevalence or trauma-related disorders.
At Mercy Hands, we continuously advocate for the health needs of the affected population and provide healthcare services to the most vulnerable groups.
Through our Welcoming Lebanese Guests project, we are currently assisting Lebanese families fleeing violence. We deliver medical services, including Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS), which is crucial for helping survivors of traumatic experiences.
We have also been facilitating the delivery of MHPSS training to staff in domestic violence and trafficking shelters around Baghdad, enabling them to continue to deliver mental health support to the women who live there.
In addition to funded projects, our Health and Nutrition department manages self funded healthcare initiatives such as Dhamani Health Insurance and Iraqi Telemedicine Center.
