This report presents a series of health intervention activities in the humanitarian assistance in Northern Iraq implemented during the Iraq war between March and May 2003 by Peace Winds Japan, with the fund from Japan Platform. Preparedness before the war included organization of mobile clinic teams, stocking of medical supplies and coordination between local health authorities and aid agencies. The initial rapid assessment effectively identified needs of massive number of displaced people with considerable health problems and those of disrupted local health service system. Maximum twelve mobile clinics covered a variety of sites in four areas in Northern Iraq including Kurdistan area and Mosul. Disease patterns in these areas are similar, showing acute respiratory infections are the most common. Neither large outbreak nor high incident severe malnutrition did occur though diarrhea was prevalent in some unsanitary areas. Disruption of local health service system prevented patients with chronic diseases and severe diseases such as cancer, and vulnerable groups such as disabled persons from receiving continuous or timely care and treatment. Co-ordination was successful in demarcation of NGO's activities and information sharing along with joint assessment.
Equitable and quality health care is a challenge of the future reconstruction phase.