Iraq Health Summit concludes

Under the endorsement of the Ministry of Health Iraq, it featured more than 200 regional thought leaders sharing their experience and vision of the healthcare sector in Iraq.

FThey highlighted the country's commitment to developing the sector and increasing cooperation between regional professionals as they attempt to fight the most serious needs of Iraqi citizens.

Dr Hassan Al Kazzaz, Director General of Public Health Directorate at Ministry of Health of Iraq emphasised the country's great steps towards the development of its health sector by saying: "The mortality rate decreased to 25 per 1,000 births in 2012, compared to 294 per 1,000 in 1999. In addition, the national immunisation programme has included a new vaccine to its programme for haemophilus influenzae and rotavirus, and we are also proud to announce we have not witnessed any cases of malaria during the past four years."

Maher was one of the panelists during a discussion about considering reproductive health a determinant of a healthy society. Together with Skander Malcolm, President and CEO for the Eastern and Africa Growth Markets, he also addressed attendees about GE's vision of healthcare reality in Iraq, and the initiatives necessary for development of the country's sector.

After an intense discussion-packed morning, the second half of the programme enabled representatives from the Ministry of Health and private hospitals to meet global specialists to understand the latest solutions available for future expansion.

Prof Jamila Zgayeir Lafta, Head of Department of Pharmacy from the Ministry of Health; KIMADIA's Deputy Director General Dr Qais Talib, and Alaa AbdulHussain, Chairman of the National Board of Drug Selection, emphasised the importance of assessing and analysing the efficiency of the pharmaceutical services in Iraq, while recommending solutions to overcome any challenges and shortcomings.

During the summit, representatives from gold sponsors Merck Sharp & Dohme and GlaxoSmithKline conducted a workshop with a panel of selected doctors which explored the beginning of a new era in vaccination, and ways in which medicine is helping to shape and change the lives of people in Iraq.

"We are very proud to be a part of the Iraqi's mission of becoming the regional leader in healthcare excellence. This initiative is specifically designed to provide a common networking platform for Iraqi and regional experts and leading solution providers—and will ultimately benefit the country and whole Middle East region by providing the very best expertise," concluded Fabien Faure, Healthcare Series Director of naseba, French business information group and summit's organisers.