Healthcare
Iraq: no let up in the humanitarian crisis
Iraq: health care in crisis
Authors:
; International Committee of the Red Cross
Publisher:
International Committee of the Red Cross , 2008
This report, by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), details the findings and observations made by ICRC personnel during their contacts with staff in hospitals, health care centres and water and sanitation facilities. It shows that five years after the war began, many Iraqis do not have access to the most basic health care; there is a lack of qualified staff and many hospitals and health-care facilities lack drugs and other essential items.
The Iraqi health-care system is now in worse shape than ever and many lives have been lost because prompt and appropriate medical care is not available. The report concludes that renewed effort is required to address the everyday needs of Iraqis and that every person should have regular access to health care, electricity, clean water and sanitation. There needs to be a renewed effort not only to maintain and upgrade medical facilities but also to develop the skills and capacity of medical staff. Those involved in the conflict and those who can influence them must do everything possible to ensure that civilians, medical staff and medical facilities are not harmed.
