AVSI (Iraq)

AVSI's presence and commitment in Iraq date back to 1991 with emergency health activities until 1996, and educational projects 2003-2006. From 2002-2004, AVSI conducted an economic and social study for Eni SpA, the Italian oil company. Since September 2014, with the deepening of the Syrian – Iraqi crisis, AVSI launched emergency projects, in partnership with Caritas Iraq: health, water and sanitation, food and non-food items distribution in the refugee camps of Dohuk, Zakho and Ashti 1 (Sulaymaniyah Governorate). These projects were implemented in line with the framework of the Iraqi Humanitarian Response Plan.

AVSI launched two professional training courses (English and Computer Science) at the Catholic University of Erbil for 60 young Iraqis who had fled the Nineveh Plain. In collaboration with the HIWA Cancer Hospital of Sulaymaniyah, AVSI is implementing a project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to provide quality treatment to childhood leukaemia and bone marrow transplants. In Erbil, AVSI is currently implementing a project funded by UNICEF to provide employability skills to 600 adolescents and youth (15-24 years) and to foster their civic engagement and social cohesion through Life Skills courses.