Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute (HMI) to Support Treatment,
Research and Environmental Safety Programs for WMD Survivors

From March 29  April 1, 2001, the Washington Kurdish Institute and Dr. Christine Gosden
(University of Liverpool), hosted an HMI seminar in Oxford, UK, with Representatives of the
regional Health Ministries, Deans of three regional Medical Colleges, doctors, and representatives
of non-governmental organizations providing health-care in Iraqi Kurdistan (northern Iraq).

Participants analyzed clinical video studies and data collected in HMI's medical survey of 2000
households (one percent) throughout Iraqi Kurdistan.  Effects of high incidences of cancers,
cardiopulmonary disease, congenital anomalies, and other major medical disorders were examined
in relation to regional demographic structures.  HMI researchers have identified 250 villages and
towns, and 31 other uninhabited strategic areas believed to have been attacked by the Iraqi regime
with WMD in 1987 and 1988.  Preliminary evidence suggests that in addition to chemical weapons,
including nerve agents, biological and radiological weapons were also possibly used, with clear
genocidal intent.  Researchers discussed preparation of relevant papers for submission to scientific
peer-review journals.

Based on examination of preliminary survey data and clinical studies, participants planned for medical
treatment, research and environmental safety pilot programs.   Diagnostic and treatment capacities
were considered in relation to the UN Oil-for-Food program and other available medical and health
resources.  Discussion of program development focussed on priority areas identified as cancer,
maternal and child health, including congenital abnormalities, and general medical disorders.  Working
partnerships between the Ministries of Health, the Medical Colleges, NGOs and local doctors were
strengthened to better secure international support and to effectively implement programs at the
primary, secondary and tertiary care levels.

Participants reviewed ongoing treatment and research programs supported by HMI for survivors
of unconventional weapons attacks in Iraqi Kurdistan.  To further address urgent medical needs in
Halabja and elsewhere, participants agreed to support:

·Establishment of a community center to assist disabled persons in Halabja.
·Continued employment of three medical specialists in the Halabja hospital.
·Providing an anaestesia machine, slit lamp (for ophthalmology), coronary care and other medical
    supplies for Halabja hospital.
·Providing a functional bronchoscope for physicians in Erbil.

Participants emphasized the urgent need to take further measures to build upon initial steps, given
the scale of health problems facing a civilian population exposed in varying degrees to weapons of
mass destruction deployed by the Iraqi regime. Participants agreed that urgent appeals should be
made to the international community to support continued development of medical treatment, research
and environmental safety programs throughout the region.