AMAR OPENS NEW HEALTHCARE CENTRE

AMAR has opened a new Primary Healthcare Centre in Mamillian Camp, which will provide vital medical assistance to over 13,000 Iraqis who have fled Daesh (ISIS) violence. 

Located in Ninewa province, the camp is home to thousands of Yazidis, as well as Shabak and Muslim minorities, all of whom have suffered horrific persecution at the hands of Daesh terrorists. 

Living in flimsy tents and vulnerable to the winter rain, wind and snow, there is an acute need for medical assistance – but until today, the camp has had no permanent medical facilities, leaving families without adequate help and protection. 

Our newly built centre is equipped with state of the art facilities, and provides vital treatment including in specialist areas such as maternal and neonatal care, reproductive health and psychological rehabilitation. 

The new centre is also a base for 20 Women Health Volunteers who will visit local families within the camp, providing them with health education on topics such as the signs and symptoms of various diseases and good hygiene practice. 

“With snow already falling in Lebanon and Syria, forecasters are predicting another bitterly cold winter in Iraq,” said Dr Ali Muthanna, AMAR’s Regional Manager in Iraq. 

“This means that we will be seeing a rise in respiratory diseases, particularly amongst the children and elderly. The opening of this new clinic couldn’t come at a more important time, and our staff are ready to help ensure residents stay healthy this winter.” 

In line with AMAR’s policy of drawing upon the skills of the local population, the majority of the staff working in the new centre are residents in the camp and IDPs themselves. 

“This is what makes our work so unique,” explained AMAR’s Chairman, Baroness Nicholson. 

“In our wonderful new clinic, refugees are treating fellow refugees. Not only are we ensuring families have access to much-needed medical care, but we are creating employment opportunities for those who have lost everything. “

Since Daesh seized towns and villages across Iraq last summer, over 3.2 million Iraqis have been forced to flee their homes for safety elsewhere in the country,” added Baroness Nicholson. 

“Our teams of top professionals are working around the clock to respond to this unfolding humanitarian emergency, and our new clinic in Mamillian is the fourth that AMAR has opened in response to this crisis.” 

by Katie Welsford