189964 Lessons learned from Iraq health system reconstruction efforts

Sunday, October 26, 2008

David Arthur Tarantino, MD , Preventive Medicine Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
ABSTRACT

Background: Health system restructuring, stabilization, or reconstruction in developing countries or countries emerging from conflict presents extraordinary challenges. Lessons learned from Iraq health system reconstruction efforts (2003-present) offer invaluable insights for current health system stabilization and reconstruction efforts as well as for potential future efforts.

Methods: In 2006, a comprehensive, systematic analysis of Iraq health sector reconstruction efforts was conducted by a diverse array of stakeholders. The purpose was to identify lessons learned applicable to ongoing Iraq health sector reconstruction efforts but also to other future efforts. In 2008 an international Iraq Health Symposium was conducted, bringing together senior Iraqi and international stakeholders to identify current challenges and to recommend and prioritize future efforts to stabilize and improve Iraq's health system.

Results: The 2006 Iraq Health Sector Reconstruction analysis report identifies a variety of critical lessons learned and recommendations for current health sector efforts in Iraq as well as for future efforts elsewhere. The 2008 Iraq Health Symposium identified current challenges facing Iraq's health system, while also establishing priorities and developing recommendations for improvement and augmentation of ongoing health sector efforts.

Conclusions: Lessons learned from Iraq health sector reconstruction efforts offer invaluable insights for current health system stabilization and reconstruction efforts as well as for potential future efforts.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the challenges of health sector restructuring, stablization, or reconstruction in developing countrie or countries emerging from conflict. 2. Prioritize health system restructuring, stabilization, or reconstruction interventions 3. Prioritize and optimize funding for health sector initiatives in developing or post-conflict countries

Keywords: Health Care Restructuring, Developing Countries

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: --Served as Senior Consultant for Health/US Embassy - Baghdad and Medical Advisor to the Iraqi Ministr of Health (2003-2004) --Established Health Attache office at US Embassy Baghdad (2004) -- Conducted Iraq Health Sector Reconstruction Lessons Learned Symposium - published report (2006) -- Conducted Iraq Health Symposium - international forum of senior Iraqi and international health sector stakeholders (2008)
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Future Trends and Opportunities For New and Creative Administrative Practices That Will Have Broad Impact On Public Health
See more of: Health Administration