Washington Kurdish Institute
Press Release
April 9, 2001
Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute (HMI) to Support Treatment,Research and Environmental Safety Programs for WMD Survivors
From March 29 April 1, 2001, the Washington Kurdish Institute and Dr. Christine Gosden(University of Liverpool), hosted an HMI seminar in Oxford, UK, with Representatives of the regional Health Ministries, Deans of three regional Medical Colleges, doctors, and representatives
of non-governmental organizations providing health-care in Iraqi Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
Participants analyzed clinical video studies and data collected in HMI’s medical survey of 2000 households (one percent) throughout Iraqi Kurdistan. Effects of high incidences of cancers, cardiopulmonary disease, congenital anomalies, and other major medical disorders were examined in relation to regional demographic structures. HMI researchers have identified 250 villages and towns, and 31 other uninhabited strategic areas believed to have been attacked by the Iraqi regime with WMD in 1987 and 1988. Preliminary evidence suggests that in addition to chemical weapons, including nerve agents, biological and radiological weapons were also possibly used, with clear genocidal intent. Researchers discussed preparation of relevant papers for submission to scientificpeer-review journals.
Based on examination of preliminary survey data and clinical studies, participants planned for medical treatment, research and environmental safety pilot programs. Diagnostic and treatment capacities were considered in relation to the UN Oil-for-Food program and other available medical and health resources. Discussion of program development focussed on priority areas identified as cancer, maternal and child health, including congenital abnormalities, and general medical disorders. Working partnerships between the Ministries of Health, the Medical Colleges, NGOs and local doctors were strengthened to better secure international support and to effectively implement programs at the primary, secondary and tertiary care levels.
Participants reviewed ongoing treatment and research programs supported by HMI for survivors of unconventional weapons attacks in Iraqi Kurdistan. To further address urgent medical needs in Halabja and elsewhere, participants agreed to support:
·Establishment of a community center to assist disabled persons in Halabja.
·Continued employment of three medical specialists in the Halabja hospital.
·Providing an anaestesia machine, slit lamp (for ophthalmology), coronary care and other medical
supplies for Halabja hospital.
·Providing a functional bronchoscope for physicians in Erbil.
Participants emphasized the urgent need to take further measures to build upon initial steps, given the scale of health problems facing a civilian population exposed in varying degrees to weapons of mass destruction deployed by the Iraqi regime. Participants agreed that urgent appeals should be made to the international community to support continued development of medical treatment, research
and environmental safety programs throughout the region.