By Kathleen O’Malley
Christian Peacemaker Teams
14 April, 2005

We walked through the crowded Basrah markets stepping over garbage and trying to avoid pools of sewage water to get to the clinic of Dr. Al-Brhim*, an oncologist internationally known for his research on the impact of depleted uranium. I thought it had to be a mistake when we arrived at the narrow concrete stairs of a deteriorating building that led to his clinic. We waited with his patients in a small room with two worn wooden benches covered with old tattered cloth. The tile on the floor was old and cracked and the walls badly in need of repair and paint. The conditions were unsuitable for living, much less for medical care.

Eventually Dr. Al-Brhim graciously interrupted his schedule to meet with us and tell us about the state of medical care in Basrah, which he said has seriously deteriorated since the US-led invasion. Actually he said it is has gotten much worse in the last ten years. Medical care is still free for Iraqis but medications are scarce and there is an increase in cancer rates of all kinds, especially acute leukemia. Breast cancer is up 30%, and although in the U.S. where breast cancer is often treatable, Dr. Al-brhim said they don’t have even the basic therapies. He explained that no one is providing the medications and money that was promised. If and when any medications are delivered they are often close to expiration. In addition since the Iraqi government requires testing for its authenticity which takes about six months, by the time he receives them, the expiration date has passed. There is added chaos in the national health system because the Minister of Health position has changed hands three times since the occupation.

As well as the deterioration of the medical health care system, there is as well an increasing threat to the providers of treatment. The insurgency has been targeting physicians. Dr. Al-Ali mentioned at least a dozen who have been killed in the last several months, three in the last six weeks. Not only does he live under constant concern that his clinic will be looted, but also he lives under threat of his life. He has already received threats for the kidnapping of his children and has paid a ransom for their protection.

I left realizing this is just one glimpse of the chaos that the people of Iraq are experiencing with years of sanctions and then the occupation. Many of the people I meet keep saying that is not liberation, things are much worse than under Saddam. “Always promises” they say, “but nothing changes. Bush is just like Saddam, full of lies.”

Hearing how desperate the state of the medical system is, and thinking how this reflects as well the state of the country, I left the clinic feeling very discouraged. I looked back to watch this gentle physician invite another one of the many patients into his office. The commitment to his work and the welfare of his patients despite the incredible risk to do so inspired me to tell this story. It is not only a glimpse of the chaotic conditions here in Iraq, but a window into the courage and tenacity of one Iraqi man, which is representative of so many I have met here.

*Name has been changed

Christian Peacemaker Teams is an ecumenical violence-reduction program with roots in the historic peace churches. Teams of trained peace workers live in areas of lethal conflict around the world. CPT has been present in Iraq since October, 2002. To learn more about CPT, please visit www.cpt.org. Photos of CPT projects may be viewed at www.cpt.org/gallery