Health Ministry launches nationwide school health campaign

BAGHDAD — The Ministry of Health on Sunday launched a national school health campaign in Baghdad and other governorates, deploying about 4,800 medical teams to visit schools across Iraq.

Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi said during a press conference that the campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Education’s General Directorate of Sports Education and School Activity.

He said the campaign began at Al-Murooa School under the First Karkh Education Directorate.

Al-Hasnawi said the campaign targets primary school students from first through sixth grade, as well as first-year intermediate students.

“There are about 4,800 teams affiliated with the Ministry of Health that will visit all schools across Iraq to cover student examinations,” he said.

He said the screenings include hearing and speech tests, dental and nutrition checks, and spinal examinations.

Al-Hasnawi said the ministry aims to follow up on children’s health through school health programs and vaccination services.

In mid-February, more than 12 million pupils and students returned to classrooms across Iraq on Sunday with the start of the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, following the end of the winter break. The academic year began Sept. 21.