Drug addiction remains one of the greatest challenges facing youth across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Reliable statistics are hard to come by, largely due to stigma and fear of legal penalties. In the Kurdistan Region, more than 400 drug traffickers were arrested in the last six months alone.
- Publications
Italian Surgeons Perform Life-Saving Heart Operations for Children in Slemani
4/17/2025
Italian Surgeons Perform Life-Saving Heart Operations for Children in Slemani
KSC, the Charity Organization of the Qaiwan Group and Anwar Sheikha Medical City partner to deliver critical cardiac care and launch plans for a dedicated children’s heart center.
KSC – Press Release
17 April 2025
Slemani, Iraq – – As part of ongoing efforts to improve pediatric health services in the Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC), in partnership with the Charity Organization of the Qaiwan Group and Anwar Sheikha Medical City, successfully hosted a team of specialized pediatric cardiac surgeons from Italy. The mission, carried out between April 5-13, 2025, focused on diagnosing and treating children suffering from congenital heart defects.
The Italian team—comprised of nine highly skilled professionals, including pediatric cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU doctors, nurses and a perfusionist—visited Anwar Sheikha Medical City in Slemani on April 6. During the initial assessments, led by Dr. Aso Faiaq (Pediatric Cardiologist) and Dr. Diyar Shirwan (Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon), 27 children were evaluated for potential surgical intervention.
Key members of the visiting team included:
• Dr. Francesco Santoro and Dr. Elena Ribera – Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons
• Dr. Gabriel Cardu – Anesthesiologist
• Dr. Pasqua Pacilli and Dr. Riccardo Moschetti – ICU Physicians
• Mr. Dario Fichera– Perfusionist
• Ms. Missana Massimo and Ms. Giada Boggi – ICU Nurses
• Mr. Nadhim Autman
Following evaluations, eight surgeries were scheduled. Over the course of the mission, six complex pediatric heart surgeries were successfully performed at Anwar Sheikha Medical City. The young patients—ranging in weight from 10 and 13 kilograms—have shown encouraging signs of recovery. Among the cases was a particularly rare and delicate surgery involving a child born with their heart outside the chest cavity, which was completed successfully.
Beyond the operating room, the visiting team met with Sara Rashid, President of Kurdistan Save the Children, to discuss future collaboration. Discussions centered on ongoing coordination, planning for future surgical missions and supporting the launch of the new Children’s Heart Center in Slemani. Both sides explored ways the team could contribute to the development and success of the center—ensuring more children across the region can access life-saving care.
This visit is part of an ongoing collaboration between KSC and international medical teams, aiming at strengthening pediatric cardiac care in the region. With the recent establishment of the Children’s Heart Hospital in Slemani, partnerships with international pediatric cardiologists—particularly from Italy—have deepened, paving the way for sustainable, life-saving care for children with heart conditions.
KSC remains dedicated to expanding access to specialized healthcare for vulnerable children and will continue to foster international cooperation to ensure every child has the opportunity for a healthy and hopeful future.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
KSC Brings Hope to Families with Essential Aid Distribution During Ramadan and Eid
4/13/2025
Thousands receive food, clothing and financial support thanks to generous donations.
KSC – Press Release
13 April 2025
Slemani, Iraq – In a heartfelt effort to support vulnerable families during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) successfully distributed essential aid, made possible by the generosity of individuals and businesses. This initiative provided families and children in need, including IDP, refugee, and host communities, with food packages containing rice, flour, sugar and other essentials, as well as financial assistance, new clothing for Eid and portions of protein like fresh meat—ensuring they could celebrate this sacred time with dignity and comfort.
“This Ramadan, our mission was not just to provide food and clothing but to foster a sense of hope, community and solidarity,” said Sara Rashid, KSC President. “Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to touch the lives of countless families, reminding them that they are not alone.”
She added, “For years, KSC has been actively supporting families in need during Ramadan by providing food packages and clothing, enabling them to fully participate in both Ramadan and Eid celebrations. This year, the generosity of our community exceeded our expectations and those of previous years, allowing us to reach many more families. Giving is deeply rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, and the trust our community places in NGOs like KSC is a positive step forward—allowing us to use our expertise to ensure donations reach the families who need them most.”
Thanks to the outpouring of support from our donors, KSC provided:
2,068 food packages, including:
* 1,000 packages donated by Haji Saad Kolak
* 900 packages from Grand Boulevard
* 150 packages contributed by the Slemani Chamber of Commerce and Industry
* Additional packages from individual donors
Financial Assistance:
* $3,800 USD
* 1,675,000 IQD
267 sets of new Eid clothes for children
20 portions of meat, generously provided by a donor
The aid reached families across various cities and districts in Iraq, ensuring those most in need were supported during this blessed season.
KSC extends its gratitude to all individuals, businesses and organizations who contributed. Your kindness has made a tangible difference, bringing joy and relief to struggling families.
KSC also extends special thanks to Kurdsat Broadcasting Corporation, who accompanied the organization during part of the distribution and produced a dedicated television program covering the initiative. Their role in sharing the story helped raise public awareness and brought visibility to the impact of the campaign.
The work does not stop here. We invite everyone to continue supporting children and families in need. To learn more about our ongoing efforts or to make a donation, visit our website: www.ksc-kcf.org
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
On World Health Day, KSC Highlights Progress in Children’s Health Initiatives Across Iraq
4/7/2025
On World Health Day, KSC Highlights Progress in Children’s Health Initiatives Across Iraq
With life-saving programs, specialized clinics and global partnerships, KSC leads the charge in delivering equitable healthcare to vulnerable children across Iraq.
KSC – Press Release
7 April 2025
Slemani – On the occasion of World Health Day, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) proudly underscores its ongoing efforts to ensure the health and well-being of children across the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq through its comprehensive and inclusive Health Program. Rooted in the fundamental belief that every child has the right to a healthy life, KSC remains at the forefront of delivering life-saving healthcare to the most vulnerable.
KSC’s Health Program is designed to provide equitable access to critical medical services for children, particularly those battling severe illnesses and living in economically disadvantaged circumstances. Through strategic collaboration with local health institutions and international partners, KSC offers a broad spectrum of health interventions—from emergency care and specialized surgeries to preventative health education and community outreach.
The program plays a key role in bridging gaps within the public healthcare system by supplying essential medications, advanced medical equipment, and highly trained personnel to hospitals and medical centers across the region.
One of its most impactful initiatives is the operation of a fully equipped Neonatal Unit at the Slemani Children’s and Maternity Hospital. Serving over 650 newborns each month, this unit provides free-of-charge, high-quality care that would otherwise cost families upwards of 150 $ per night in the private sector.
KSC also provides critical support to cancer treatment facilities and radiotherapy centers in Slemani, Erbil and Duhok. Through its flagship Ara Project, the organization not only furnishes these centers with medicines and medical staff but also offers psychosocial and financial assistance to children undergoing intensive cancer treatment—ensuring they receive dignified, continuous care.
Recognizing the importance of building local capacity, KSC invites international medical teams to treat complex pediatric conditions such as scoliosis, congenital heart disease, cleft lip and palate and hearing loss. These visiting specialists also conduct in-depth training sessions for local healthcare professionals, thereby raising the overall standard of pediatric care.
Notably, KSC established Iraq’s first dedicated Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Emergency Hospital in Slemani. Outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, this facility performs more than 100 surgeries annually and is the only center of its kind in the country.
In partnership with the public health sector, KSC has also contributed to the establishment of Iraq’s first specialized Children’s Heart Hospital, expanding access to advanced cardiac care for children.
Additionally, the organization has launched initiatives to provide dental care under general anesthesia for children with autism and ADHD, ensuring that children with special needs receive appropriate and compassionate treatment.
For families who require treatment abroad for conditions that cannot be addressed locally, KSC offers financial assistance and comprehensive guidance, removing barriers to critical care.
The organization also engages in public health education, disseminating accurate information in schools and public institutions to encourage healthy behaviors from an early age.
In times of public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of cholera, KSC responds rapidly by delivering hygiene materials, protective equipment and emergency medical supplies to frontline health facilities. Most recently, KSC introduced a dedicated Speech Therapy Unit to serve children with cleft conditions, hearing impairments, and speech delays—further broadening the scope of its child-centered health services. It also continues to support the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC), which plays a vital role in helping children with physical disabilities regain mobility and independence.
As the world pauses to reflect on the importance of health, KSC renews its call to action for stronger collaboration and sustained investment in child health. Each intervention, each surgery, and each life touched through KSC’s Health Program is a testament to the power of collective responsibility and unwavering compassion.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
KSC Transforms Children's Ward at Shahid Hemn Psychiatric Hospital
3/17/2025
SLEMANI: KSC Transforms Children's Ward at Shahid Hemn Psychiatric Hospital
Extensive renovations create a safer, more therapeutic environment for children receiving mental health care in Slemani
KSC – Press Release
17 March 2025
Slemani, Iraq – Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) has successfully completed a comprehensive renovation of the Children's Ward at Shahid Hemn Psychiatric Hospital, enhancing the facility to provide a more healing and supportive environment for young patients. The initiative focused on improving both infrastructure and therapeutic spaces, ensuring that children receive care in a setting that promotes well-being and recovery.
According to Dr. Ramyar Rahim, Health Coordinator at KSC, “The outcomes of the recovery journey are more promising when it occurs in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment, as studies have shown that such settings reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being, leading to better recovery.”
“The Shahid Hemn Psychiatric Hospital serves as a home for many children and individuals with various conditions, such as intellectual disabilities, behavioral issues, autism, Down Syndrome, delayed speech, social anxiety, isolation and those who have experienced trauma due to war, displacement, sexual assault or unfortunate incidents. It also provides hope to parents who are unsure how to overcome the challenges their children face,” he says, adding, “Our aim was to create a non-clinical atmosphere that serves as a space for counseling, examination, diagnosis, providing guidance and bringing hope to both children and their families.”
The renovations included:
Revitalized Exterior & Interior:
The entire exterior and interior of the Children's Ward were freshly repainted and refurbished, creating a brighter, more welcoming space for children and their families.
Radiation Hall Transformation:
The hall was cleaned, reorganized and divided into two private rooms with new flooring, plastering and modernized doors, improving patient privacy and comfort.
Structural & Electrical Upgrades:
The roof was completely replaced with concrete, the lighting system was repaired and energy-efficient bulbs and triple-opening windows were installed for better illumination and ventilation.
Climate Control Enhancements:
Two new air conditioning units were installed in the renovated rooms, and central air systems in the corridors were repaired to maintain a comfortable temperature.
A Calming Environment:
We added over ten family-friendly murals to the walls of the Children's Ward at Shahid Hemn Psychiatric Hospital to create a more peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
New Equipment & Furnishings:
The ward was equipped with updated office supplies, furniture and essential medical tools to improve functionality and patient care.
Enhanced Privacy & Security:
New separators were constructed between floors to ensure children’s privacy and create a more secure treatment space.
Comprehensive Clean-Up & Organization:
The entire department underwent a deep clean and reorganization to maintain a hygienic and orderly setting.
This renovation represents a major step forward in improving mental health care for children in the region. KSC remains committed to providing vulnerable children with safe, nurturing spaces that foster healing and recovery.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
KSC and Save the Children International Launch Game-Changing Youth-Led Social Policy Initiative in Kurdistan Region
3/11/2025
SLEMANI: KSC and Save the Children International Launch Game-Changing Youth-Led Social Policy Initiative in Kurdistan Region
‘Mesopotamian Pulse’ poised to become a catalyst for lasting social reform
KSC – Press Release
11 March 2025
Slemani, Iraq – In a groundbreaking step towards empowering the youth of the Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) is proud to announce the launch of the Mesopotamian Pulse: Youth-Driven Social Policy and Reform Initiative.
This dynamic and transformative project, set to run from February 1, 2025, to August 15, 2025, is designed to amplify the voices of young people and empower them to drive meaningful policy change.
A partnership between KSC and Save the Children International, and with funding from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), this initiative is poised to become a catalyst for lasting social reform.
According to Dyari Mustafa, Youth Ability Development Manager at KSC, “The Mesopotamian Pulse project is a step toward empowering youth to lead meaningful change.”
He says: “Through intensive trainings by professional trainers, these young leaders are gaining the skills to advocate for policy reform, drive social change and support their society. This program will ensure that youth voices are not only heard but actively shape the future of our region, especially in advancing children’s rights and welfare in Slemani, Erbil and Duhok governorates.”
Project Overview
The Mesopotamian Pulse initiative unfolds in three phases that will elevate youth leadership and encourage long-term social policy reform:
Youth Training and Capacity Development
A series of training sessions on advocacy, governance and public budgeting will be conducted across all provinces. These sessions will equip young people with the tools they need to shape policies and effectively influence decision-makers.
Research and Law Development
Young participants will be forming groups to research and identify pressing social issues, followed by advocacy campaigns aimed at driving policy changes at both regional and national levels.
Youth-Led Advocacy and Lawmaking
Participants will engage in online and in-person advocacy to promote social reforms, ensuring that the voices of youth resonate within the policy-making corridors.
Key Outcomes and Impact
● A youth representative will be selected to sit on the High Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights at the ministry level, giving young people direct influence over policy discussions.
● A digital youth platform will be established, creating a sustainable network for youth across the Kurdistan Region that will empower future generations to lead change.
● A structured and long-term youth advocacy network will be built, poised to influence governmental policy on social issues, particularly those affecting children’s rights and welfare.
Training Sessions
On February 28 and March 1, 2025, the first advocacy training session took place in Erbil and Slemani, bringing together 53 young participants. This session focused on governance, advocacy strategies and public policy engagement, ensuring these young leaders are equipped to drive positive social change in their communities.
Goals and Beneficiaries
Project Objective: Strengthen the capacity of youth in governance and advocacy, establishing a sustainable network of young leaders committed to policy reform.
Direct Beneficiaries:
● 60 participants, including 52 youth and 8 staff members.
Long-Term Impact:
● Establishing of a youth-led advocacy network that influences social policy at the government level, creating lasting change for future generations.
Through this initiative, KSC reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth as agents of change, ensuring their voices are heard and their advocacy drives the reform needed to safeguard the rights and welfare of children in the Kurdistan Region.
For more information about KSC’s education initiatives, please contact: [email protected]
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
https://www.youtube.com/@KurdistanSavetheChildren
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vag7rzH2kNFhFEaPXi2P
