My name is Dr Salahaldin Hamad, and I am writing to you from Erbil, Iraq, where I work as a medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) activities, covering Baghdad and Mosul. I am originally from Sudan and have worked with MSF in several conflict settings — sadly, as is the case in my country.
Today, I am here with my Iraqi colleagues, witnessing how the regional escalation has impacted them — not only as humanitarians working in their own context, but also as people deeply concerned about their families and their own well-being. Anxiety is clearly felt, with several colleagues appearing under increased pressure amid the evolving regional context.
The situation is extremely tense. We can hear the impact of airstrikes; sometimes, our office windows shake when interceptions happen. I remember one day when the intensity was particularly high. Unlike previous days, when strikes mostly occurred early in the morning or late at night, this time it happened in the middle of the day while staff were still in the office. Everyone was frightened. It brought back memories of past wars, and some colleagues, especially those with families, expressed a desire to leave the office.
After that situation, we held a team meeting to reassure staff and encourage them to seek mental health support. A psychologist is available, and we continue to remind colleagues to reach out.
Recalling past trauma
This mental burden is not limited to MSF staff; the situation is affecting many people in the country. They are worried about their families and loved ones. We are talking about people who have already experienced multiple displacements in the past — people forced to leave, rebuild, and now face the uncertainty of going through it all again.
Mental health needs were already significant before this regional escalation. In recent months, we have provided more than 200 group sessions with participation of around 1,000 individuals, mostly to women over 18. Many are still coping with trauma from previous conflicts while fearing what may come next. Demand for both individual and group support remains high.
I can relate to this deeply. As a Sudanese, I have lived through similar experiences. I witnessed war firsthand, with shelling that could last from early morning until sunset. Even now, knowing that my family is relatively safe where they are, my main concern remains about the team — the humanitarians who have already endured so much and continue to push forward to keep activities running. Their wellbeing is my priority, and I try to ensure they feel supported and reassured.
The impact on our operational capacity
This escalation is also affecting our operations. We have had to constantly adapt to security constraints. Some activities have been delayed or suspended. In Baghdad, we paused activities in a facility supporting cervical cancer patients in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. In Mosul, activities continue, but at reduced capacity. Teams are moving less frequently, and some community-based activities, including health promotion awareness, have been put on hold.
This cumulative impact affects the communities we support. Reduced access and insecurity mean fewer services, even as needs remain high. Nevertheless, we continue to do everything possible to maintain support, thanks to close coordination with the Ministry of Health.
My hope? No more conflict.
No more people being pushed to the edge. No more suffering for those simply trying to access care.
Just no more.
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Related:
- Iraq
- Middle East Escalation
- MSF in Iraq
