AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Safety Crackdown: Iraq’s National Security Service arrested nine suspects across four provinces in operations targeting commercial fraud, food counterfeiting, and public health violations, including seizure of 675 tons of mislabeled rice and shutdowns over health and safety failures. Infectious Disease Watch: Nineveh health authorities confirmed a new Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) case in Mosul, with the patient isolated and treated under protocol; Iraq has recorded 155 infections and 10 deaths since the start of 2026. Healthcare in the Region: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Iraq, adding stronger privacy controls and parental limits to support safer viewing for children. Medical Services & Trauma Care: A U.S. report highlights rapid prehospital blood transfusions by New Jersey air rescue and ambulance partners, showing how faster access to blood can save trauma patients before they reach hospital. Veterans Health Access: A veterans-focused update notes free TSA PreCheck enrollment for qualifying disabled veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, aiming to reduce travel friction for medical and support needs.

Diabetes Drug Deal for Iraq: Daewoong Pharmaceutical signed a W145.2b export and supply agreement with Acino Pharma to launch its Envlo (an SGLT-2 inhibitor) across eight MENA markets, including Iraq, with approvals planned in Saudi Arabia this year and launches in 2027. Water & Health Protection: Iraq’s top Shia authority, Ayatollah Al-Sistani, ruled that dumping untreated sewage, solid waste, medical waste, or chemical pollutants into rivers is religiously forbidden, citing direct harm to public health and requiring authorities to provide safer disposal options. Rural Electricity for Care Access: In Erbil, the Rwanga Foundation’s solar project will power 100 units in Ziyarat village, including homes plus a health center, aiming for more reliable electricity. Health-Linked Security Pressure: The U.S. resumed limited physical dollar air shipments to Iraq after a brief suspension tied to Iran tensions, affecting retail cash needs while the electronic pipeline kept moving. Community Health & Safety: A solar-powered village health center and the sewage ban both point to the same theme: cleaner water and steadier power are becoming core health priorities.

Iraq Anti-Corruption Drive: Iraq launched a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown with coordinated raids in Baghdad, arresting dozens of senior officials and seizing millions in hidden cash and luxury assets, including a reported $14 million cache found inside the walls of an oil deputy minister’s property. Public Health Watch: Iraq reported 219 Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases and 16 deaths, with Nineveh recording a new CCHF case as health authorities track outbreaks. Health System Access: Iraq extended health insurance coverage to the Kurdistan Region, a move aimed at widening access to care for residents. Infrastructure & Care Capacity: Iraq’s Heet 200-bed hospital project inched closer to completion, signaling more capacity for local services. Pilgrimage Services: The Iraqi prime minister issued directives to improve services and facilitate entry for Arbaeen pilgrims, with public-health and logistics implications for large crowds. Heat Safety Angle: With extreme heat in the region and beyond, one story highlighted practical cooling steps and the need for family heat-response plans.

Public Health Alert: Iraq’s Health Ministry reports 219 Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases since the start of 2026, including 16 deaths, with Dhi Qar province hit hardest (101 cases, 8 deaths). Officials say daily monitoring is underway with veterinary and regulatory partners, and they’re urging preventive steps to reduce tick and animal-blood exposure. Healthcare & Services for Pilgrims: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi ordered upgrades for Arbaeen pilgrimage services, stressing smoother transport and returns, plus electricity, fuel, and medical coverage for Hussaini mawkibs, alongside stronger telecoms and media coordination. Patient Safety & Rights: UN experts say Australian engineer Robert Pether remains in Iraq with a life-threatening illness and warn his detention and lack of specialist care could amount to hostage-taking under international law, urging authorities to act quickly. Health Infrastructure: Al-Diwaniyah says it needs about $763M to finish development projects through mid-2027, including services tied to roads, water, electricity, and healthcare. Heat Risk: A major heat wave in the U.S. is driving health warnings and cooling-center plans, with World Cup matches and fans also affected by heat stress.

Al-Diwaniyah Infrastructure Funding Gap: Iraq’s Al-Diwaniyah needs about one trillion dinars (around $763M) to finish development projects through mid-2027, with earlier allocations falling short and local authorities warning services and urban infrastructure will lag without steady installment funding. CCHF Update in Nineveh: A 21-year-old man in Nineveh tested positive for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, bringing recent confirmed cases to 10 in weeks; Iraq has recorded 154 infections since the start of 2026, with Dhi Qar the hardest hit. Health Access Under Travel Ban: An Irish man detained in Iraq since 2021 remains under a travel ban, and his wife says his health is deteriorating rapidly, citing starvation-level illness history and a bleeding, weeping chest lesion linked to melanoma. Regional Women’s Health & Jobs Risk: UN Women/ESCWA warn the Middle East crisis could cost Arab states up to $194B and put women’s jobs at risk, including an estimated 34,000–56,000 women’s jobs in Iraq and neighboring countries. Surgical Care Capacity Building: An Israeli medical mission in Rwanda treated 21 children with complex heart conditions and trained a new pediatric interventional cardiologist to expand local advanced care. Heat-Related Health Alerts: A major US heat wave is pushing millions under heat alerts, with cities opening cooling centers and hydration plans as health agencies urge people to watch for heat illness signs.

Iraq Health Access: Iraq has extended health insurance coverage to the Kurdistan Region, a move aimed at widening access to care across the north. UN Medical Rights: UN experts say Australian engineer Robert Pether is trapped in Iraq despite release from prison and needs urgent specialist treatment; they warn his health is life-threatening and call for him to be allowed to leave. Public Health & Safety: A World Bank report finds global gas flaring rose for a third straight year, with Iraq among the biggest sources—fuel waste that also worsens air pollution and health risks for nearby communities. Health System Capacity: Iraq’s Heet 200-bed hospital is nearing completion, signaling more inpatient capacity as the project advances. Mental Health & Care Costs: Separate coverage highlights how allied health caps and approval delays can restrict access to therapy and rehabilitation—an issue that resonates with Iraq’s broader push to expand and streamline healthcare support. Health Security in Conflict Zones: UN and other reporting continues to flag medical vulnerability for detainees and civilians amid ongoing regional instability.

UN Human Rights: UN experts say Australian engineer Robert Pether’s health is rapidly declining while he remains stuck in Iraq under a travel ban after release from prison, warning of potentially life-threatening medical conditions and lack of specialist care. Public Health & Safety: Mumbai police report a Muharram procession poisoning plot after arresting Pune resident Fayyaz Premji, alleging he distributed nearly 15,000 capsules containing zinc phosphide disguised as painkillers; investigators also probe his motives, possible digital planning, and travel history. Mental Health Access: Behavioral health provider Sensible Care expands its network to help veterans and others reach therapy and psychiatry faster, highlighting long waits and insurance barriers. Iraq Health Coverage: Iraq extends health insurance coverage to the Kurdistan Region, aiming to widen access for residents. Environment & Health Risk: A World Bank-linked report says global gas flaring rose for a third straight year, with Iraq among major flaring countries—raising concerns about air pollution and wasted fuel. Community & Wellness: A Kurdish cultural center in Dublin supports diaspora health and wellbeing through language classes, newcomer help, and volunteer services.

Iraq Health Coverage: Iraq’s Health Minister Abdul Hussein Al-Mussawi says the national health insurance program will expand to more provinces across Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and parts of central and southern Iraq, with Baghdad continuing support to activate the Region’s representative office inside the Iraqi health ministry. Public Health & Safety: In Mumbai, police arrested Pune resident Faiyaz Premji after alert volunteers spotted him distributing capsules allegedly laced with zinc phosphide during a Muharram procession; authorities seized about 14,900 capsules and say at least 11 people fell ill with vomiting and stomach pain, with victims reported out of danger. Pharma Access in the Region: Arcera Life Sciences and Daewoong Pharmaceutical expanded their partnership to bring Enavogliflozin to Middle East markets, aiming to improve access for people with type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic conditions. Women’s Safety & Health: Nobel Peace laureate Nadia Murad warned that the COVID-19 pandemic increased trafficking and gender-based violence, stressing that curfews and lockdowns pushed abuse underground and strained access to health and psychological support.

Iraq Health Coverage: Iraq is set to expand its national health insurance program into more provinces across Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and parts of central and southern areas, with the Health Minister highlighting closer coordination with Kurdistan’s health ministry and continued Baghdad support for activating the Region’s representative office in the Iraqi ministry. Public Health & Safety: In Mumbai, police say they foiled an alleged mass poisoning plot during Muharram/Ashura after arresting Fayyaz Premji, who was accused of distributing nearly 14,900 zinc phosphide–laced capsules disguised as painkillers or immunity boosters; at least 11 people fell ill and were treated in hospital, with officials reporting they are out of danger. Regional Health Context: Iran’s renewed missile and drone attacks tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions are escalating risks for medical access and civilian safety across the region, including after strikes reported near Bahrain and Kuwait.

Iraq Health Infrastructure: Work on Iraq’s long-awaited 200-bed Heet General Hospital in Al-Anbar has reached 72% completion, with completion targeted for April 2027; officials say the remaining steps are infrastructure finishing plus medical equipment installation, while residents currently travel to Ramadi, Haditha, or Baghdad for care. Public Health & Safety: In Mumbai, police arrested Pune resident Faiyaz Premji over an alleged Muharram poisoning plot after hospital staff reported a man fell ill from a “painkiller” capsule; authorities seized about 14,900 zinc phosphide–laced capsules and say the suspect claimed he wanted to harm thousands. Health in Extreme Weather: A major heatwave is pushing temperatures toward or above 50C across parts of Iraq and the wider Middle East, raising urgent concerns for heat illness and public health readiness. Water & Food Safety: Iraq’s Euphrates fish are reported unfit for human consumption, with an observatory warning about safety as conditions worsen.

Heet Hospital Progress: Iraq’s 200-bed Heet General Hospital in Al-Anbar has reached about 72% completion, with remaining work focused on infrastructure and installing medical equipment, aiming for opening in April 2027—an upgrade residents hope will cut the daily need to travel to Ramadi, Haditha, or Baghdad for care. Water Safety & Health Risk: Iraq’s parliament is set to hold a special session after the July 1 recess to tackle worsening pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates, with officials warning of rising contamination hotspots and growing public health and ecosystem damage. Security & Poisoning Scare (Iraq-linked region): While not in Iraq, regional reporting highlights a major Muharram procession poison plot in Mumbai—police say nearly 15,000 zinc phosphide-laced capsules were seized and a suspect arrested—underscoring how quickly public health emergencies can emerge from mass-distributed “medicines.”

Ashura Health & Security in Karbala: Iraq’s holy shrines and authorities have activated large-scale security, health, and public service plans as millions of pilgrims arrive ahead of Ashura, with medical teams deployed across main routes from Najaf, Baghdad, and Babil and volunteer-run Husseini processions providing food, water, and rest areas; officials expect attendance to top last year’s estimated 12 million. Regional Spillover: Crowds also marked Ashura across Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and worldwide amid heightened tensions after recent strikes, with Shia communities mourning Hussein’s killing and the day serving as a symbol of resistance. Iraq in the Spotlight (Sports): Senegal beat Iraq 5-0 in the World Cup, leaving Iraq winless in all six matches, while Senegal’s qualification hopes hinge on results and goal difference. Medical Care in Conflict Zones: A U.S. Navy deployable field hospital unit (EMF Bravo) held a change-of-command ceremony, underscoring ongoing Role 3 medical readiness for humanitarian and combat missions. Public Health Watch: An observatory warning said the Euphrates fish are unfit for human consumption as water conditions near a hostile environment.

Ashura Health & Safety in Karbala: Iraqi authorities and holy shrines in Karbala have launched an extensive security, health, and public service plan for the Ashura eve crowds, with medical teams deployed along major routes and across the city as attendance is expected to top last year’s 12 million estimate. Explosive Remnants Claim Lives in Nineveh: An ISIS war remnant killed two shepherds in Al-Baaj west of Nineveh; security sealed the area and sent bodies for forensic procedures, underscoring Iraq’s ongoing landmine and unexploded ordnance risk. Iraq Anticorruption Push: Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council says anticorruption arrests have seized about $86m in cash plus properties, vehicles, and gold tied to alleged corruption involving a detained Oil Ministry undersecretary, as the new prime minister ordered contract reviews. Public Health on the Ground: Ashura-related neighborhood mawkibs across Iraq are providing food, water, rest areas, and medical help to mourners and pilgrims. Veteran Suicide Awareness: California’s Green Star Service flag initiative highlights veteran suicide as a major health crisis, including cases involving Iraq War veterans.

Ashura Health & Services in Iraq: Iraq ramped up Ashura crowd-medicine with 100 ambulances, eight public hospitals, five private hospitals, and five emergency centers, plus 55 food-safety inspection teams as pilgrims poured into Karbala and other routes. Public Health Alert: Nineveh reported a new Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in an 11-year-old, bringing confirmed CCHF infections in the province to nine this year. Environmental Health Watch: A Tigris River oil spill is raising alarms about Iraq’s spill response readiness, with calls for faster deployment of containment and cleanup tools to protect communities and children. Community Care for Veterans: A national nonprofit is building a specially adapted, free home for an injured Iraq veteran, highlighting how tailored support can ease long-term recovery needs. Men’s Mental Health: A new push for Men’s Mental Health Awareness spotlights higher suicide rates among men and urges better support and open conversations. World Cup & Health Logistics: Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was ruled out with a knee injury ahead of the Iraq clash, while tournament coverage continues to focus on hydration and heat safety.

Ashura Health Response in Karbala: Iraq rolled out one of its biggest annual security and public service operations for Ashura, with the Health Directorate deploying 100 ambulances, eight public hospitals, five private hospitals, and five emergency medical centers for crowd care, plus 55 food-safety inspection teams. Pilgrim Safety Logistics: Municipal services expanded with 3,200+ workers and 419 specialized vehicles for sanitation, while wastewater authorities reported removing 3,500 tons of sediment and processing 2.3 million cubic meters of wastewater during the first week of Muharram. Community Water Support: In Karbala, an elderly volunteer, Hajja Umm Jasim, has spent decades serving pilgrims with water cups—describing how the work was once risky under Saddam-era restrictions. Public Health Alert (Nineveh): Nineveh recorded a new Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in an 11-year-old, bringing confirmed CCHF infections in the province to nine this year. Sports Medicine Note (World Cup): Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was ruled out of the Iraq match after a knee injury, with further medical checks underway.

Ashura Health Response in Karbala: With millions expected to flood Karbala ahead of Ashura’s peak ceremonies, Iraq’s Health Directorate deployed 100 ambulances, eight public hospitals, five private hospitals, and five emergency medical centers for crowd care, while 55 inspection teams monitored food and beverage safety. Sports Injury Update (Senegal vs Iraq): Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was ruled out of the World Cup decider against Iraq after a knee injury sustained in the match vs Norway; further medical exams will guide his tournament participation. Regional Drug-Crime Coordination: The League of Arab States, with UNODC, held a steering meeting in Cairo to push coordinated, evidence-based action against drugs, transnational organized crime, terrorism, corruption, and financial crimes—bringing together Iraq and other Arab states’ ministries and institutions. Medication Safety Watch (Euphrates): An Iraqi watchdog warned that Euphrates water is unsafe as conditions worsen downstream, raising public health concerns for communities relying on the river.