Media Advisory
New report to reveal deepening health crisis in Iraq
The health of the Iraqi people has dramatically deteriorated since the 2003 invasion. The war is a continuing public health disaster that was predictable - and should have been preventable. Excess deaths and injuries and high levels of illness are the direct and indirect results of ongoing conflict. Yet the UK and US governments and Iraqi authorities continue to deny the true extent of harm to civilians, while health relief and reconstruction efforts have been bungled through mismanagement and corruption.
The enduring effects of war: health in Iraq 2004, a new report by Medact, calls for decisive action to halt this health disaster: immediate help for civilians whose health is at risk, urgent assessment of their health needs, and the establishment of an independent inquiry into civilian casualties.
When UK Press Conference, Tuesday November 30, at 9.15 for 9.30am,
Where Foreign Press Association, 11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1
Who The report is a product of the Iraq Health Monitoring Project managed by Medact, an independent health organisation that highlights and takes action on the health consequences of war, poverty and other major threats to global health. The project is funded by non-profit foundations.
Researched and written by health professionals and academics, this evidence-based analysis examines the current state of health in Iraq from a public health perspective. It reviews and summarises data from a wide range of published and unpublished sources. It will be issued in the UK and simultaneously by medical groups worldwide, including the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Turkey.
Available for interview:
STRICTLY EMBARGOED until November 30. Advance copies of the report may be available on request.
All inquiries to Jane Salvage, 07734 153813 or (+44) 0207 359 6686, [email protected]