Quality Health Care for Women in Iraq

Report first published in nina-iraq.com, the magazine for Iraqi women everywhere.

In the first of a series of articles around the importance of addressing women’s health issues Hawra Abu Gulal, an Iraqi specialist in nutrition and public health, based in the UK, explores access to health for Iraq – set within a global context. Next week, Vital Voices Global Award Winner Suaad Allami will provide detailed considerations from within Iraq.

By Hawra Abu Gulal (pictured).

Better health is vital to economic progress, human happiness and well-being. It leads to longer life and population productivity. Many factors influence health status and a country’s ability to provide access to quality health services is essential.

I am an Iraqi who grew up between the Netherlands and the UK. I was educated in both countries as well as the US and am a qualified Public Health Nutritionist (MPH). I have carried out extensive multiple research studies in the field of public health, global women’s health and nutrition, and I have worked in different settings of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, including local authorities.

I am currently working for a UK based organisation which produces guidance for health and public health care and I have an immense interest in supporting and improving women’s access to quality health care, particularly in Iraq. My mission is to improve health outcomes for populations through preventing disease and health promotion, as well as ensuring the public’s access to quality health care services.

I am honoured and delighted to support Iraqi women’s economic empowerment by sharing my experience and knowledge in health care with you.