A Silent Crisis in Iraq’s Public Health

by Jon Scaccia March 4, 2025

For years, Iraq has grappled with the devastating effects of war, economic instability, and shifting societal norms. While these challenges dominate headlines, another crisis has quietly escalated—one that kills just as indiscriminately but lacks the visibility of conflict or disaster. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major public health threat in Iraq, accounting for more than half of all deaths in the country. Conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses are silently reshaping the health landscape.

A recent study using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 sheds light on the trends of NCDs in Iraq from 2003 to 2021. The findings are a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities alike. While some conditions have shown improvements, others—like cancer, diabetes, and kidney diseases—are rising at an alarming rate.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Between 2003 and 2021, Iraq experienced a slight overall increase in the prevalence of NCDs, with some notable trends:

• Cancer cases surged by nearly 33%, making neoplasms a growing public health concern.
• Diabetes and kidney diseases saw the largest spike in incidence rates (42.9%).
• Chronic respiratory diseases declined slightly, possibly reflecting improved awareness and medical interventions.
• Cardiovascular diseases remained the leading cause of mortality, particularly among men.
• Skin and subcutaneous diseases recorded the highest increase in mortality (48.2%), raising concerns about overlooked health risks.

These numbers highlight both progress and setbacks. While some efforts—like tobacco control and health education—have yielded positive outcomes, they have not been enough to curb the growing burden of other life-threatening conditions.

Why Are NCDs Rising in Iraq?

Several factors are driving the increase in NCDs across Iraq:

1. Lifestyle Changes: Western-style diets, increased tobacco use, and sedentary habits have become more common, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Healthcare System Struggles: Years of conflict and economic instability have weakened Iraq’s healthcare system, making it difficult to provide early detection and consistent treatment for chronic illnesses.
3. Psychosocial Stress: Prolonged exposure to war, displacement, and financial insecurity has created high levels of stress, which are linked to increased risk behaviors like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
4. Limited Public Health Infrastructure: Iraq’s efforts to control NCDs remain fragmented, with inadequate screening programs and limited accessibility to healthcare services, especially in rural areas.

The Human Cost

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider Layla, a 52-year-old mother of three from Baghdad. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes five years ago but struggles to afford insulin due to skyrocketing healthcare costs. Meanwhile, her 65-year-old husband, suffering from heart disease, has no access to specialist care in their area. Their story is not unique—millions of Iraqis face similar battles with preventable chronic diseases.

Lessons from the Region

Interestingly, when comparing Iraq’s NCD burden to neighboring countries, some stark differences emerge. Countries like Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have managed to reduce their NCD prevalence through aggressive health policies, public awareness campaigns, and better healthcare infrastructure. In contrast, Iraq’s rates have continued to rise, signaling a need for urgent policy intervention and investment in healthcare services.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing Iraq’s NCD crisis requires a multifaceted approach, bringing together the government, healthcare sector, and civil society. Here’s where efforts should focus:

• Prevention and Early Detection: Public health campaigns targeting smoking cessation, healthy diets, and physical activity should be expanded.
• Stronger Primary Healthcare Services: Equipping local clinics with better diagnostic tools and training primary care physicians to manage NCDs effectively is essential.
• Affordable and Accessible Medications: Policies should be implemented to make essential medicines for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer more affordable and widely available.
• Community Engagement: Religious leaders, educators, and influencers should be mobilized to promote healthier lifestyles and increase awareness.
• Better Data Collection and Policy Planning: Continuous monitoring of NCD trends will help fine-tune interventions and direct resources where they are needed most.

What’s Next?

While progress has been made, Iraq still has a long way to go in managing its NCD burden. The key lies in sustained investment, policy changes, and community-driven health initiatives. International collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) can also help Iraq implement best practices from other regions facing similar challenges.

Join the Conversation

The fight against NCDs is not just a government issue—it’s a community effort. Here are some questions for you to consider:

• What are some barriers that prevent Iraqis from accessing preventive healthcare?
• How can technology, such as mobile health apps or telemedicine, help improve NCD management in Iraq?
• Have you or someone you know been impacted by NCDs? What challenges did you face in seeking treatment or making lifestyle changes?

Share your thoughts in the comments or continue the discussion on social media using #IraqHealth #NCDPrevention. Together, we can bring attention to this growing crisis and push for meaningful change.

Resource to Use

Explore results from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study.

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