UNICEF Iraq, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health, launched the country’s first Child Benefit initiative in the Muthanna Governorate. This effort will benefit 7,000 vulnerable children and expectant mothers and inform social safety net reforms led by the government.
The initiative, funded by the European Union, is part of a broader effort by UNICEF, ILO, and WFP to support the Government of Iraq in reforming the social protection system and achieving human development outcomes throughout the lifecycle.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Government of Iraq. It aligns with Iraq’s National Development Plan for 2024-2028, which aims to reform the social protection system, eliminate poverty, and deliver comprehensive health services to families. Iraq’s Social Service Workers will play a crucial role in the success of this pilot by connecting families to social care services to improve health outcomes.
“The launch of the Cash Plus pilot programme in Muthanna is a crucial step towards supporting pregnant women and ensuring children’s well-being,” said Dr. Sanaa Al-Moussawi, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Disability Affairs. “With this initiative, we are laying the groundwork for an integrated social protection model which the Government could expand to all Iraqi provinces,” she added.
“This project addresses immediate poverty and aims to tackle the underlying causes of child vulnerability by improving healthcare access and promoting healthy behaviours. The project reflects the Government of Iraq’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that every child is healthy and thriving,” said Dr. Khames Al Saad, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health.
“This programme represents a strategic step toward achieving social justice and supporting the most vulnerable groups in our society. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance national vaccination adherence, reflecting our commitment to improving the health of future generations and ensuring a dignified life for beneficiary families,” said Ahmed Al-Asadi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
The pilot project is launching in Muthanna, one of Iraq's poorest and most deprived governorates. Muthanna falls short in all aspects of children’s health indicators compared to the national average. More than 15 per cent of children in Muthanna are stunted. Similarly, immunisation rates among children are below 40 per cent, and only 18 per cent of women exclusively breastfeed. This project aims to address these critical issues by providing tailored support to pregnant women and children 0 to 2 years of age.
“This initiative is designed to meet the challenges faced by women and children in Muthanna and demonstrates the government’s dedication to empowering vulnerable families in Iraq and fostering comprehensive social development,” said Muhannad Al-Attabi, Governor of Muthanna.
“The EU is committed to supporting the Government of Iraq in their effort to improve the social protection system. We all want to learn from this cash pilot project before rolling it out to other regions in the country,” said Steven De Vriendt, Programme Manager, The European Union Delegation to Iraq.
The project envisions establishing a foundational model for a national child benefit integrating cash assistance with essential services throughout Iraq.
“Investing in the health and well-being of children from the earliest stages of life is crucial for building a strong foundation for their future potential,” said Ken Legins, UNICEF Iraq Representative, a.i. “We are grateful to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the European Union, the World Food Programme, the International Labour Organization, and all partners for their support,” he added.
As Iraq transitions from conflict to becoming an upper-middle-income country, robust social protection systems are vital for empowering Iraqis with nation-building skills. This is especially pertinent for Iraq, where women and children constitute the majority of the population.
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