Inauguration of a new operating theater in Sinjar

On February 4, 2020, the President of La Chaîne de l’Espoir, the French Ambassador to Iraq and representatives of the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS) of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Nadia’s Initiative Foundation and the Iraqi authorities (Ministry of Health, Nineveh Governorate, local authorities) have inaugurated an operating theatre built as part of the primary healthcare center in the town of Sinjar, in north-west Iraq. The construction of this new facility follows on from the French President’s commitment to Nadia Murada 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, regarding France’s participation in the reconstruction of the Sinjar region. It is the first stage of the new hospital project, supported by La Chaîne de l’Espoir. While the health needs of the Yezidis and all the inhabitants of Sinjar are considerable, and the primary healthcare center is the only medical infrastructure in the town, this hospital project has been developed with the Nadia’s Initiative Foundation and the Iraqi authorities.

In a particularly constrained operational environment, La Chaîne de l’Espoir has successfully completed this first stage thanks to Iraqi professionals selected for their expertise and know-how. Entirely financed by the Crisis and Support Center, this operating theater will be operational very shortly. Care will be provided by local teams accompanied by volunteer doctors from La Chaîne de l’Espoir. La Chaîne de l’Espoir is now turning its attention to the second part of this project: the construction of the future general hospital. Work is due to start in the spring of 2020, so that the first Woman-Mother-Child unit and the essential consultation and medical imaging services can be up and running quickly.