OCTOBER
ANNUAL HEALTH FESTIVAL NEWSLETTER
One of IFMSA-Kurdistan’s biggest SCOPH events, uniting the 5 Local Committees through creative health initiatives and friendly competition
This year, festivals implemented the AMR Policy, introduced cultural and educational booths, and attracted thousands of visitors across Kurdistan.
Uniting medical students across Kurdistan, fostering collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to healthier communities
IFMSA-Kurdistan
International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations - Kurdistan (IFMSAKurdistan) is a nongovernmental, nonpolitical, and nonprofit organization founded in 2009 in Hawler (Erbil) by Dr. Zana Baban and Dr. Laila Ibrahim.
It is a National Member Organization (NMO) of IFMSA and is run by medical students, along with dentistry and pharmacy students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
IFMSA-Kurdistan operates through the Local Committees of Duhok, Hawler, Koya, Sulaymaniyah, and Zakho
The organization aims to empower medical students across Kurdistan and equip them with the knowledge, leadership, and advocacy skills needed to address global health challenges and reduce inequalities in health.
Notice
IFMSA-Kurdistan has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this publication Nevertheless, the material is distributed without any warranty, expressed or implied, and the responsibility for its interpretation and use rests solely with the reader
Some images and graphics included are the property of their respective authors or sources, and every effort has been made to acknowledge andrespecttheirrights
Contributors
Sahand Sarwar - President
Siavash Siamak - VPM
Zin Esamaddin - NPO
Layout
AwaEzzadin-PCSDD
Disclaimer
This publication represents the collective contributions of various authors and collaborators The opinions expressed herein aresolelythoseofthecontributorsanddonot necessarily represent the official views or policiesofIFMSA-Kurdistan
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the IFMSA-Kurdistan in preference to others of a similar nature that arenotmentioned
Publisher
ThisisanIFMSA-KurdistanPublication
Onlyportionsofthispublicationmaybe reproducedfornonpoliticalandnonprofit purposes,providedmentioningthesource
Contact Us
eb@ifmsakurdistan.org
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Greetings everyone,
This is Sahand Sarwar, IFMSA-Kurdistan’s President for the term 20252026. I am more than honored to be serving in this position and to take on all the responsibilities and lead the organization to great heights This position is more than a title, it’s a role that takes a lot of dedication, commitment, and active involvement. I recognize the huge responsibility that comes with it, and I am prepared to give my outmost to this organization to ensure that our collective vision is turned into reality.
As we embark on this journey, we as the Team of Officials feel committed to the responsibility of taking this leadership role and take IFMSA-Kurdistan to new heights. We aim to provide you with a team that is actively present at all times, ensuring sustainability of our work and most importantly, doing so with transparency and upholding accountability among everyone, from a general member to the highest position holders
THROUGHOUT THE TERM
THROUGHOUT THE TERM
we should stay reminded of the values that keep our organization strong, ones that make us united and share mutual respect We believe in working with greater cohesion and shared responsibility, where every decision and every action reflects our collective effort. And most importantly, we believe in enabling a stronger and brighter culture of accountability and transparency, one that ensures our organization can move forward with trust and stability even in the most demanding of circumstances
we should stay reminded of the values that keep our organization strong, ones that make us united and share mutual respect We believe in working with greater cohesion and shared responsibility, where every decision and every action reflects our collective effort. And most importantly, we believe in enabling a stronger and brighter culture of accountability and transparency, one that ensures our organization can move forward with trust and stability even in the most demanding of circumstances.
This term will be like no other, and we promise you great changes that will be seen along the way! Of course, with the help of everyone, with your support and mutual understanding that will lead us to meet the vision we have, and with the energy that will help us continue on this path we chose for the organization.
This term will be like no other, and we promise you great changes that will be seen along the way! Of course, with the help of everyone, with your support and mutual understanding that will lead us to meet the vision we have, and with the energy that will help us continue on this path we chose for the organization
Let’s make the thousands of members proud who made this day possible for us, and never forget the vision and aim that were set for building this organization by our dear founders.
Let’s make the thousands of members proud who made this day possible for us, and never forget the vision and aim that were set for building this organization by our dear founders
Together, hand in hand, let’s make this term one of growth, unity, and respect. Thank you once again for your passion and commitment. This is a promise, the best is yet to come
Sahand Sarwar
TEAM OF OFFICIALS' MEETING 0 (TOM0)
Team of Officials Meetings are where all the national representatives, including the Executive Board, Standing Committee Officers, and Support Division Directors, along with the Local Presidents of the LCs and the presence of the Supervising Council Member, gather to discuss important and key matters regarding the organization’s latest events and updates.
Team of Officials Meetings are where all the national representatives, including the Executive Board, Standing Committee Officers, and Support Division Directors, along with the Local Presidents of the LCs and the presence of the Supervising Council Member, gather to discuss important and key matters regarding the organization’s latest events and updates.
TOM 0 FOR THE TERM 2025-2026
Was a two-day meeting hosted by Hawler LC in the wonderful city of Hawler on October 10 and 11 , 2025 The main objectives of this meeting were to ensure a smooth start for the term, align the Team of Officials on the term’s goals and vision, and establish clear communication and accountability mechanisms across all levels of the organization.
The meeting included various presentations, discussions, and sessions facilitated by the Executive Board and the Supervising Council These mainly focused on reviewing all the preparations that had been done for the term, as well as the new regulations and documents created to be shared and launched, such as the Communication Guidelines, TO Assistant Positions, the new CoCC structure and the Calendar System for the Officials Along with this, there were many sessions prepared in regards to the fields of IFMSA-Kurdistan’s activities, externals, finances, international affairs, and members.
The meeting included various presentations, discussions, and sessions facilitated by the Executive Board and the Supervising Council These mainly focused on reviewing all the preparations that had been done for the term, as well as the new regulations and documents created to be shared and launched, such as the Communication Guidelines, TO Assistant Positions, the new CoCC structure and the Calendar System for the Officials Along with this, there were many sessions prepared in regards to the fields of IFMSA-Kurdistan’s activities, externals, finances, international affairs, and members
TEAM OF OFFICIALS' MEETING 0 (TOM0)
In addition, many other matters were discussed regarding the organization’s sustainability and accountability measures, especially in relation to members’ engagement and issues that arose following recent events, followed by the plans and improvements to move forward effectively
In addition, many other matters were discussed regarding the organization’s sustainability and accountability measures, especially in relation to members’ engagement and issues that arose following recent events, followed by the plans and improvements to move forward effectively.
BY THE END OF THE MEETING
The Team of Officials agreed on a unified work timeline, finalized internal regulations to be launched during the term, and set the groundwork for collaborative initiatives between Local Committees
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all attendees to uphold transparency, consistency, and accountability in their work
The meeting was a successful start to the new term, setting a strong and collaborative tone for the year ahead
Great appreciation goes to Hawler LC for their hospitality and outstanding organization, as well as to all attendees for their active engagement and contributions throughout the meeting
As TOM 0 came to an end, it left behind a spirit of unity and renewed determination Together, we move forward, stronger, more connected, and ready to make this term truly remarkable.
As TOM 0 came to an end, it left behind a spirit of unity and renewed determination Together, we move forward, stronger, more connected, and ready to make this term truly remarkable.
ANNUAL HEALTH FESTIVAL
The Annual Health Festival
Has grown into one of the largest and most anticipated SCOPH events in every Local Committee of IFMSAKurdistan. The members’ enthusiasm to participate, the large number of visitors, and the inclusion of nearly all SCOPH focus areas have all contributed to its success
Each year, these factors build upon one another, fostering a friendly sense of competition among Local Public Health Officers and their committees, each determined to make their own festival even better than the rest.
This year, all Health Festivals across the Local Committees successfully implemented the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy, marking a significant step forward for SCOPH. Several exciting new initiatives were also introduced throughout the different LCs
ZAKHO LC
The festival organized by Zakho LC brought a unique cultural touch to their celebration The event was held on September 4th at the historic Qishla Zakho, coinciding with the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet’s Birthday).
DUHOK LC
Following Zakho LC’s event, Duhok LC held their festival on October 9 at Duhok Mall, attracting more than 750 visitors. Among its highlights was a vaccination booth, where around 20 people received seasonal influenza vaccines.
The event was made possible through the generous support of AMR Lab and Voss, whose contributions helped ensure its success. Another standout feature was the Mental Health Booth, which included a “What Makes You Happy?” board where visitors shared positive notes, creating an interactive and uplifting space that encouraged happiness and emotional well-being
SULAIMANI LC
HAWLER LC
L O O K I N G A H E A D ,
The upcoming Health Festival in Hawler LC will be a two-day event held at Park Sami Abdulrahman on October 31st Hawler LC members are very excited to host this exciting event and bring their creative ideas to life.
