“Today, as a volunteer team, we're sending a message on International Youth Day (IYD): seize the opportunity to join volunteer awareness teams,” – this was the call to action from one of the young volunteers who played a key role in spreading vital health and climate information.
From 12 August, International Youth Day, through 25 August, young Iraqi volunteers took action during the Arbaeen visits, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. A campaign was launched to raise awareness, highlighting the impact of climate change on health, water, and food safety, managing chronic illnesses, and infection prevention during mass gatherings. Run by over 4,000 volunteers on the ground and supported by over 200 online volunteers on social media, this initiative was a joint effort by the Iraqi Ministry of Health (MoH) and UN agencies, including WHO, UNDP, UNFPA, WFP, and UNV.
The campaign’s focus was clear: to help pilgrims stay safe during the intense summer heat and to inform them about the broader health risks posed by climate change. Volunteers distributed over 100,000 brochures, with 30,000 handed out in Karbala alone. These materials provided practical advice on preventing heat strokes, handling food safely, understanding the risks of climate-induced diseases, addressing chronic diseases, and preventing infections in the context of mass gatherings.
“Our volunteer team in Karbala has provided health guidelines to prevent heatstroke, food poisoning, and other illnesses,” said one of the participating volunteers. Their efforts ensured that critical health information reached those who needed it most during the religious visit.
The campaign also saw significant online engagement, with over 200 UNV Online Volunteers. These Online Volunteers extended the campaign’s reach to the screens, reaching over 530,000 people through social media. By leveraging social media, they helped ensure that essential health and safety advice reached not just those physically present at the visits but also people across Iraq.
By the end of the campaign, on-ground medical units stationed during the mass gathering event had received targeted health messages. Additionally, countless visitors and online followers had been informed about how to protect themselves against climate-related health risks. This initiative harnessed the power of youth to lead meaningful change, especially in environments impacted by climate challenges.
“Always aim for a specific goal so that you can continue to make a positive impact on life,” – stated another volunteer. The efforts of thousands of these volunteers, and the collaboration between the Iraqi Ministry of Health and UN agencies, highlighted the importance of youth leadership in tackling critical health issues. Together, they made a significant impact, promoting a healthier and safer environment for all.
