Iraq inks agreement with Sanofi to boost healthcare training, rare disease registration

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Minister of Health, Saleh Al-Hasnawi, announced Sunday the signing of a cooperation agreement with the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, aiming to enhance healthcare worker skills—especially in nursing—and to automate the registration of rare diseases and cancers.

“The Iraqi government and the Ministry of Health are committed to embracing scientific advancements in various healthcare fields,” Al-Hasnawi said in a statement. “Today, we signed a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Health and Sanofi, a globally recognized company in the health sector. The agreement focuses on developing the skills of healthcare workers, especially in nursing, and automating the registration process for rare diseases and tumors.”

Al-Hasnawi noted that Sanofi has maintained a longstanding relationship with Iraq, describing this latest agreement as “a serious, effective, and practical step” toward advancing the Ministry of Health, particularly by improving nursing staff training. He also pointed to Sanofi’s contracts with the Ministry of Health and its ongoing role in supplying medications to both the public and private sectors.

The minister revealed the company’s interest in establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Iraq in partnership with the private sector, stating, “This initiative aligns with the government’s strategic plan to localize pharmaceutical production. I hope this project becomes a reality in the near future.”

French Ambassador Patrick Durel affirmed France’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s health sector. According to the statement, he said, “This agreement is important because France is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and strengthening relations with Iraq in the medical field. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Sanofi serves the interests of the Iraqi people.”

“We look forward to seeing more French companies engage in Iraq, not just in healthcare but across various sectors,” Durel added.