Direct Relief's Activities in Iraq

Iraq is a mostly desert nation located in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf between Iran and Kuwait. Twenty-one percent of Iraqis lack sustainable access to safe sanitation. Nineteen percent lack sustainable access to safe water supplies. Infant mortality is high at 102 deaths per 1,000 live births. ¹ Major public health problems include conflict-related injuries, heart disease, and respiratory infections. ²

Direct Relief has provided over $22.8 million (wholesale) in medical material assistance to Iraq since 2000, focusing on basic medical supplies and equipment.

Direct Relief's primary partner in Iraq is the Marafie Foundation, an international organization based in Kuwait. Marafie has been working to improve healthcare infrastructure for the people of southern Iraq since 1958. Direct Relief is providing it with medical supplies and equipment for two hospitals built by the Marafie Foundation: the Marafie Hospital and the New Children Hospital, both in Basra.

Direct Relief International's Response to the War in Iraq

Direct Relief's Partners in Iraq