Iraq Crisis - Healthcare and Sexual Health Assistance - International Medical Corps 2017-2019

December 2016 - The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate. The violence between armed groups and government forces has displaced over 3 million people from their homes. The capacity of the Government to respond to the basic needs of its citizens has been overwhelmed. While Daesh has lost considerable territory in 2016 it is expected that humanitarian needs will remain significant in the coming years. More people will be displaced by the conflict while many will remain displaced in camps and host communities. However there will also be growing numbers of people returning to areas no longer under the control of Daesh who will also need assistance to help restart their lives. With GAC’s support International Medical Corps is providing healthcare mental health sexual and reproductive health and case management services to conflict-affected Iraqis. Project activities include: (1) providing health services through multi-service centres including medical consultations to up to 104 000 beneficiaries and integrated community health and outreach services to up to 112 000 beneficiaries; (2) delivering training in mental health and psychosocial services (MPHSS) case management to up to 195 healthcare workers and awareness-raising and information sessions on MHPSS; (3) providing training and mentorship to up to 144 health workers at Multi-Service Centres on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) case management and screening; (4) providing case management services to up to 2 100 SGBV survivors; (5) conducting recreational and skills-building activities for up to 6 300 women and girls; and (6) conducting safety audits of risk mitigation efforts and frequent gender dialogue sessions for conflict-affected communities.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to health MHPSS and sexual and reproductive health services; (2) improved capacity of MPHSS service providers to provide health services referrals case management and screening; (3) improved access for women and girls to recreational and skill-building activities; and (4) improved community awareness about gender issues including SGBV. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are food insecure.