Rape rehabilitation, reproductive health services canceled in Iraq

12:43

JINHA

NEWS CENTER - The WHO has cited inadequate funding as a reason for shutting down reproductive health and rape rehabilitation services in Iraq, among other basic health services.

According to the UN, the WHO will close down 184 health centers in 10 provinces of Iraq. In many regions of Iraq, WHO health programs are the only form of health service available. Now, 84% of those services will be canceled.

Three million people living in camps, many displaced by Daesh, will now have no basic healthcare. Rehabilitation and health services for women and girls who have been sexually assaulted will be canceled, as will reproductive health services. Iraq has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the Middle East. Primary care, child vaccination programs and nutrition services will also be shut down.

According to WHO representative Tarik Jasarevic, the organization has only been able to secure $5.1 million of the $60 million required for the health services' operation.

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