AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert (Kurdistan): The Kurdistan Region recorded a confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) case in Duhok after a 47-year-old man from Sinjar arrived with hemorrhagic fever symptoms; he is hospitalized and described as unstable, with officials noting more cases are often expected after Eid al-Adha due to slaughter and animal contact. Healthcare & Safety (Iraq-linked): A British soldier, Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman, was named after a training accident in Iraq, with the mission including medical and engineering support for local forces. Environment & Health (Wasit): A major fish die-off along the Tigris in Wasit province is reported to have killed millions of fish in floating cages, with fish farmers blaming untreated sewage, industrial discharge, and declining water levels—raising wider concerns about contamination across Iraq’s river systems. Medical Care in Conflict (Gaza-to-Iraq context): Coverage highlights Gaza patients flown to Iraq facing administrative limbo, underscoring how paperwork delays can become a health risk. Health Policy (Iraq): Iraq’s private sector is set to invest $65bn under a 2024–2028 development plan, with potential knock-on effects for healthcare capacity and services.

Medical Access in Iraq: Al Jazeera reports Gaza patients flown to Baghdad for treatment are stuck in “administrative limbo,” with documents confiscated and families unable to reunite, including a kidney transplant recipient confined inside Baghdad’s Medical City. Public Health & Disease Control: Iraq’s Wasit province bans livestock entry to curb CCHF spread, as authorities intensify veterinary inspections amid outbreak concerns. Healthcare & Humanitarian Care: A separate report says Mosul’s cancer hospital has begun receiving patients, signaling expanded oncology services for Iraq’s north. Regional Health Under Strain: Coverage of the Lebanon conflict highlights ongoing drone strikes and mass displacement, raising pressure on medical systems across the region. Health Policy & Coverage Risks (US, relevant to Iraq diaspora): The White House narrows Medicaid work exemptions, potentially affecting millions’ access to care. Local Health Infrastructure: Philadelphia’s World Cup preparations include heat-management “hospitality hubs” with water and shaded rest areas—an example of crowd health planning during major events.

Suicide & Mental Health in Baghdad: Baghdad reported four separate suicide deaths in one day, with authorities citing psychological distress in multiple cases; a 2025 ministry report says Iraq averages 55–70 suicides monthly, rising from about 1,100 cases in 2022 to nearly 1,500 in 2024, linked to economic hardship, unemployment, untreated mental health issues, and conflict displacement. Care Access Blocked for Gaza Patients in Iraq: Al Jazeera reports Gaza patients flown to Baghdad for treatment are stuck in administrative limbo after Iraqi authorities confiscated travel documents, leaving at least 46 evacuated Palestinians (patients and escorts) unable to reunite with families. Health System Under Strain from War: Iran’s Pasteur Institute of Iran—an over-century biomedical and public health hub tied to vaccines and disease control—was reportedly heavily damaged in airstrikes, raising fears for regional public health capacity. CCHF Prevention in Iraq: Iraq’s Wasit province banned livestock entry to curb CCHF spread, as veterinary inspections and outbreak control efforts continue. Private Sector Health & Infrastructure Push: Iraq’s 2024–2028 development plan projects about $65bn in private investment, including health services alongside water, roads, electricity, housing, and food security.

Suicide Watch in Baghdad: Shafaq News reports four suicide deaths across Baghdad in one day, including two boys and two girls, with authorities citing emotional distress and psychological difficulties; Iraq’s Labour Ministry data referenced by the report links rising suicide rates to economic hardship, unemployment, untreated mental health issues, and conflict displacement. Private Investment Push: Iraq’s planning ministry says the private sector is projected to invest about $65bn in the 2024–2028 development plan, targeting water, sewage, roads, electricity, housing, reconstruction, and also health and food security. Mosul Cancer Care: A separate report says a Mosul cancer hospital has begun receiving patients, a key step for oncology services after years of disruption. CCHF Prevention in Iraq: Iraq has moved to curb CCHF spread by banning livestock entry in Wasit, while another item notes increased veterinary inspections amid outbreak concerns. Regional Health Context: A Chaldean patriarch interview highlights ongoing pastoral support for communities affected by instability, including service in Mosul during difficult years.

Iraq Health & Wellness Watch: Iraq’s National Tourism Strategy to 2035 was approved by the federal Cabinet, aiming to draw 10 million international visitors and push upgrades in hospitality, training, and healthcare-linked services around heritage sites. Public health & disease control: Iraq’s Wasit province has banned livestock entry to curb CCHF spread, a move aimed at protecting communities at risk. Health system access: Mosul’s cancer hospital has begun receiving patients, a major step for oncology care in the city. Health-linked investment: Iraq’s 2024–2028 plan expects 84 trillion dinars in private-sector investment, including projects in health and food security alongside water, roads, power, and housing. Regional health context: Iraq also reported no Congo fever cases in Kurdistan and other provinces at risk, citing the health ministry’s monitoring.

CCHF Alert in Wasit: Wasit Governor Ali Salimoun ordered border closures to livestock to curb Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), requiring approved veterinary and health checks before animals enter and tightening inspections at crossings. Iraq has logged 53 CCHF cases and nine deaths in 2026, with slaughter and meat handling among the highest-risk activities. Cancer Care in Mosul: Mosul’s Specialized Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital has started receiving patients, with 100 beds (including 33 isolation rooms) and major equipment such as linear accelerators and a PET scan, aiming to expand advanced cancer treatment locally. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Iraqi authorities arrested four suspects in an international Lyrica trafficking operation in Baghdad, including two pharmacists and a foreign national, seizing more than 33,000 pills. Public Health Planning: Iraq’s Environment Ministry says nationwide green belts are central to its desertification strategy, with health-focused monitoring of urban vegetation loss to help reduce local air pollution. CCHF Update in Kurdistan: Kurdistan Region health officials reported no CCHF cases so far, while warning the wider country remains a risk, especially after Eid al-Adha due to increased slaughter and animal movement.

Mosul Health Update: Nineveh Governor Abdul Qader al-Dakhil says Mosul’s Specialized Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital has started receiving cancer patients, with 100 beds (33 isolation rooms) and advanced tools including linear accelerators, a Hot Lab, and PET scan equipment. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Iraq’s General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs dismantled an international Lyrica trafficking network, arresting four suspects (including two pharmacists and a foreign national) and seizing 33,000+ pills in Baghdad. Public Health Watch: Kurdistan Region’s health ministry reports no Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases so far, but warns the region remains at risk as Eid al-Adha slaughter activity typically raises cases elsewhere in Iraq. Health System Context: Iraq’s broader push includes new hospitals and specialized centers, plus rising health insurance coverage—aimed at expanding access to care.

Nutrition & Food Safety: Iraqi families are shifting back to homemade staples like yogurt, cheese, juices, and tomato paste as concerns grow over preservatives and artificial additives in processed foods. Public Health & Conflict Impact: In Lebanon, UNICEF says children are being killed and injured at an average of 11 per day over the past week amid ongoing strikes, with dozens hurt in a single day. Veterans Care & Rehabilitation: The U.S. Army is testing an exoskeleton designed to help injured troops stand, walk, and keep firing when evacuation is delayed—aimed at reducing dependence on additional litter-bearers. Medical Training (Regional): Ukrainian surgeons are training in microsurgery at UW-Madison to improve reconstruction skills for war injuries. Humanitarian Access & Water: Syria’s president visited Euphrates flood zones after heavy rain and bridge collapse; drinking water delivery and repairs are underway, with alerts also issued in Iraq. Healthcare Workforce & Community Support: A Bridgewater nonprofit run by a Marine Corps veteran is expanding 2026 events supporting veterans, first responders, and health care workers.

Homemade Food Revival: In Iraq, families are cutting back on preservatives and artificial additives by switching from packaged juices and soft drinks to fresh homemade yogurt, cheese, juices, and tomato paste—Baghdad households say it’s cheaper, cleaner, and more controllable for nutrition. Child Safety in Conflict: The UN says Israeli attacks in Lebanon are harming children at a staggering pace, averaging 11 children killed or injured every 24 hours over the past week, despite a ceasefire. Iraq Health Watch: Iraq is ramping up veterinary inspections amid a CCHF outbreak, with Dhi Qar leading 2026 cases. Eid Livestock Crackdown: Baghdad has launched an Eid al-Adha crackdown on livestock slaughter, aiming to enforce rules around food safety and compliance. War’s Health Ripple Effects: As US-Iran ceasefire talks and Strait of Hormuz tensions continue, analysts warn the wider crisis is straining humanitarian and health logistics across the region. Veteran Care & Recovery: A new US Army exoskeleton project targets leg-injury treatment by helping wounded soldiers stand, walk, and keep fighting when evacuation is delayed.

Iraq Health & Safety: Iraq’s veterinary sector is ramping up inspections after a CCHF outbreak, with agriculture officials ordering crackdowns ahead of Eid al-Adha to reduce transmission risk. War & Health Impacts: UNICEF says Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed or injured an average of 11 children per day over the past week, underscoring urgent child-protection and medical needs even during ceasefire claims. Mental Health & Veterans Care: A veteran-focused report highlights growing interest in ibogaine-assisted treatment for PTSD and suicidal thoughts, with one nonprofit funding care for nearly 1,300 veterans. Rehabilitation Tech: The US Army is field-testing a lightweight lower-limb exoskeleton (IBEX) to help wounded troops stand, walk, and potentially return to action when evacuation is delayed. Local Health Context: Baghdad is reported to be tightening enforcement around Eid al-Adha livestock slaughter, a move that can affect food safety and public health practices. Regional Health Risks: Flooding in Syria’s Euphrates region has disrupted drinking water and damaged infrastructure, with alerts also issued in Iraq.

CCHF Watch in Iraq: Iraq stepped up veterinary inspections ahead of Eid al-Adha as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever spread to new provinces, with Kirkuk reporting its first confirmed 2026 case; officials urged breeders and butchers to follow guidance and use protective gear during slaughter to curb transmission. Food Safety & Livestock Controls: The Agriculture Ministry ordered preventive measures after rising cases, including Dhi Qar’s 45 infections and seven deaths this year and new infections in Nineveh, as slaughterhouse teams increased checks on cattle and sheep and verified meat before it reaches markets. Public Health Risk from Toxic Plants: Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior warned farmers about datura (“devil’s trumpet/jimsonweed”), citing its highly toxic compounds that can harm nervous systems in humans and animals, while noting it’s used medically only in precise doses. Trauma Care Policy: Outside Iraq, a whole-blood program is moving forward in Maryland to help first responders rapidly replace severe blood loss in trauma patients—an example of how faster pre-hospital transfusion can buy time before hospital care.

Poison Alert for Farmers: Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior warned residents about datura (“devil’s trumpet”/jimsonweed), saying the toxic plant can harm crops and people through dangerous nervous-system compounds. Holiday Health Support in Kurdistan: Eid al-Adha brought tens of thousands of visitors to Erbil and Al-Sulaymaniyah, with authorities deploying security and medical teams in crowded parks, markets, and entertainment areas. Trauma Care Upgrade: A U.S. county approved a whole blood program for first responders to help trauma patients replace severe blood loss faster before reaching hospitals—aimed at saving lives and improving coordination. Veterans’ Care & Safety: A VA-focused Q&A highlighted home modification grants (like roll-in showers and handrails) to reduce fall risks for eligible veterans. Medical Access Gap: A report says President Trump visited Walter Reed but did not meet 14 troops injured in the Iran war who were recovering there, raising questions about wounded-service visibility.

Eid Al-Adha Health & Safety in Kurdistan: Thousands of visitors poured into Erbil and Al-Sulaymaniyah on the first day of Eid, with local authorities deploying security and medical teams to busy parks, amusement areas, and markets as tourist numbers topped 70,000 and were expected to keep rising through May 31. Veteran Care & Injury Follow-Up: A report says Trump skipped meeting 14 U.S. troops injured in the Iran war during a Walter Reed visit, raising questions about how wounded service members are prioritized during high-profile medical checkups. Military Honors & Disability Impact: Lawmakers renewed a push to award the Medal of Honor to Iraq War Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta, after prior denials tied to medical/forensic reviews. Iraq Disease Watch: Iraq’s health response to CCHF is in focus, with coverage noting rising cases in Nineveh and crackdowns ahead of Eid. Public Health in the Spotlight: Gulf War veterans with chronic eczema/atopic dermatitis are seeing renewed treatment interest as nonsteroidal topical options gain attention for long-term symptom control.

Eid al-Adha Health & Safety: Baghdad Municipality launched a crackdown ahead of Eid al-Adha, targeting illegal livestock slaughter outside licensed abattoirs; animals found violating rules face confiscation and public auction, as officials link the holiday rush to heightened Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) risk. CCHF Watch: Iraq has recorded 53 CCHF cases and 9 deaths in 2026 so far, after 247 cases and 38 deaths across all of 2025, prompting additional preventive steps by the Ministry of Agriculture. Veteran Wellness: A Green Bay nonprofit, “Art Is Medicine,” raised funds to support veterans and first responders through expressive arts and holistic programs, highlighting community-based mental health support. Community Health Through Purpose: Veterans Yoga Project marked healing stories tied to PTSD and stress relief through free yoga classes, with a planned 15th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C. Public Health Context: Coverage also notes rising anxiety around nuclear risk and conflict-related stress, underscoring mental health impacts during regional instability.

Ceasefire Under Strain: As the US-Iran standoff drags into its 89th day, Iran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire while Israel escalated strikes across southern Lebanon, raising fears the fragile diplomacy is slipping. UN Security Council: The UN Security Council condemned an attack on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, saying it broke international law, while the UAE blamed drones launched from Iraq. Regional Security: Iran’s ambassador warned the country is ready for renewed aggression, stressing that bases in the region make targets of consequences. Iraq Aid Ahead of Eid: In Iraqi Kurdistan, the Barzani Charity Foundation said it delivered food baskets, meat meals, and supervised medical support to more than 6,000 low-income families around Eid al-Adha. Health & Care Angle: Separately, a Green Bay nonprofit “Art Is Medicine” is using expressive arts and sound healing to support veterans and first responders—an echo of the wider push for mental health treatment and community-based recovery.

Iran-US Talks Under Strain: Trump is hosting a rare Camp David cabinet meeting as U.S. strikes hit Iran “in self defense” and both sides trade accusations, with Iran again demanding release of frozen funds. Regional Security: Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the region will no longer “shield” U.S. bases, as strikes and escalation fears continue around the Gulf and Lebanon. Iraq Relief on the Ground: In Iraqi Kurdistan, the Barzani Charity Foundation says it delivered Eid al-Adha food baskets, meat meals, and supervised medical support to 6,000+ low-income families in al-Sulaymaniyah. Veterans Care Angle: Memorial Day coverage keeps spotlighting PTSD and treatment access, including calls for practical support for Iraq war veterans. Public Health Watch: WHO says a new Ebola emergency is spreading in eastern Congo, raising concerns for women and girls as health systems strain.