Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) Development in Iraq
Categories: Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), Health National Adaptation Plans, Country experience, Eastern Mediterranean, Climate Resilient Health Systems
Country: Iraq
Health worker holding health recommendations for pilgrims. Credit: Iraq Ministry of Health Context
Iraq is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, including extreme heat, water scarcity, and increased disease burden. These environmental pressures have direct and indirect effects on public health, necessitating proactive adaptation measures. In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), initiated the development of a dedicated Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). This effort aligns with the Belem Health Action Plan’s priority on building climate-resilient health systems and integrating health into broader climate adaptation policies.
Implementation process
The Ministry of Health and its collaborators took the following key steps to develop the HNAP:
- Conducted a climate-health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) assessment.
- Held national and sub-national consultations with health and climate stakeholders.
- Identified key health risks and proposed feasible adaptation measures.
- Aligned the plan with Iraq’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Validated the plan through multi-sectoral review and initiated preparation for official endorsement and implementation.
Lessons learned
The HNAP development process emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and early stakeholder engagement. Adopting participatory approaches helped increase buy-in and practical relevance. Integrating the health perspective into broader national climate discussions required continuous advocacy. Strengthening institutional links and data systems proved essential for evidence-based planning.
Challenges
The following challenges were encountered in the HNAP development process in Iraq:
- Limited availability of integrated climate and health data.
- Capacity constraints in climate-health risk assessment methodologies.
- Need for greater coordination between national health and environmental institutions.
- Funding gaps to support adaptation implementation and monitoring.
Success factors
The following were helpful strategies in the HNAP development process in Iraq:
- Strong collaboration with WHO and technical partners.
- Active engagement of ministries and stakeholders throughout the process.
- Leveraging the momentum of Iraq’s national climate agenda.
- Clear linkages between health adaptation priorities and existing public health programs.
Recommendations
The following actions may be helpful to countries also undertaking HNAP development::
- Institutionalize climate change within national health planning frameworks.
- Build national and sub-national capacities for climate-resilient health planning.
- Secure dedicated resources for HNAP implementation.
- Promote intersectoral governance and data sharing mechanisms.
Key resources
- Iraq Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) - available soon.
- WHO guidance on building climate-resilient health systems:
- UNFCCC technical guidelines for National Adaptation Plans (NAP)
More Information
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Zaid Al Allaq, Director, Climate Change Division
Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health – Iraq
Email: zaidallaaq@gmail.com