fter decades of war, sanctions, and occupation, Iraq’s health services are struggling to regain lost momentum. Many
skilled health workers have moved to other countries, and young graduates continue to leave. In spite of much
rebuilding, health infrastructure is not fully restored. National development plans call for a realignment of the health
system with primary health care as the basis. Yet the health-care system continues to be centralised and focused on
hospitals. These development plans also call for the introduction of private health care as a major force in the health
sector, but much needs to be done before policies to support this change are in place. New initiatives include an active
programme to match access to health services with the location and needs of the population.