Recorded presentation

Gerald Evans, PhD and Marni Laverentz, MPH. Iraq Health Systems Strengthening Project, Abt Associates Inc., 4800 Montgomery Lane, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-718-3141, marni_laverentz@abtassoc.com

As part of a large US-funded development assistance program in Iraq, a strategy to reform their health care system was developed in collaboration with Iraqi health officials and average citizens. The paper begins with an overview of the history and structure of the primary health care system in Iraq. Then it moves into a discussion of the comprehensive strategy that has been developed for transforming the health system into one where the health needs of all Iraqis are met with accessible and affordable services. This will include a description of the collective process that was undertaken to formulate a vision for the health care system and strategies for its implementation. This collective process included the formation and participation of eleven working groups, which were composed of ministry leaders, representatives from all sectors of the health care system and NGOs, with the majority of participants being Iraqi. These groups met repeatedly to identify and discuss problems and solutions in the health sector. Accordingly, each group drafted vision statements. These vision statements and strategies were further developed through a series of local forums held in locations throughout the country to solicit the feedback and opinions of Iraqi health care providers and average citizens. Finally, the paper will further articulate the core elements of the vision and policy strategies for improving the way primary health care is delivered and financed in Iraq.

Learning Objectives: