The threat of roadside bombs and terrorist attacks in markets, cafés and places of worship is constant. Indeed terrorist attacks have intensified in 2014, prior to the 30 April general election, the third since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The authors also found that the Iraqi agricultural sector is not sufficient to cover the domestic market’s need for essential food items and suffers desperately from lack of infrastructure and modern technology.
The World Food Programme estimates that 22 per cent of children under five years are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, despite the majority of Iraqi families receiving a monthly food supplement from the government. Literacy is relatively lower in Iraq than other countries in the region and the educational system, despite investment by the government, continues to be hindered by institutional corruption. Unemployment rates are unacceptably high.
Professor Rawaf said:
“Living in Iraq today is not easy; nonetheless it is not all doom and gloom. The monumental investment to improve the health system, via national and international efforts, is very promising but needs significant and equal contribution in other aspects of life affecting health and quality of life.”
“Iraq’s abundant natural and human resource base can be a valuable source for the revival of its economy and coherent social structure. Iraq’s contribution to the regional development will be significant.”
(Source: Imperial College)
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