The Iraq Health Access Organization (“IHAO”) was founded in 2007 with the vision of returning Iraq to its once leading position in healthcare. Starting initially as a Fulbright project, which won the New Leaders Award by the International Institute of Education, IHAO grew to become a leading organization in providing access to health, protection, and livelihood in remote and/or displaced areas in Iraq with a mission of addressing health and the social determinants of health, namely education, gender-based violence and economic stability, through front line response, economic empowerment, and skills training. Through its strategic planning and solid interventions, IHAO was able to partner with many international and national partners including UNFPA, IMC, EPIC, HAI, Cordaid, and others, and further widen its programs' themes and locations. IHAO’s expertise in programming was developed through implementing many projects in different aspects; concerning the health aspect, IHAO conducts projects on primary healthcare, reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial support, and capacity building training for the purpose of strengthening the national capacity for the provision of high-quality health services especially for the most vulnerable populations. IHAO also ensures that its staff and beneficiaries reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
