Tofiq Louca Kaka understands suffering. A native of Kurdish Iraq, he enlisted in Iraq’s army in 1982, joining the fight against neighboring Iran. But he was soon captured and held prisoner for 17 years, unable to see the wife or infant son he had left behind. Not until 1998 did the Iranian government finally release Tofiq. Reunited with his family, his son fully grown, he could have brooded on the years and experiences lost; instead Tofiq drew from them the inspiration to help his fellow Iraqis, beginning a career in the humanitarian field and, in July of 2003, joining International Medical Corps.
Today, Tofiq works tirelessly as International Medical Corps’ office manager and radio/transport officer in his native Erbil where his fellow citizens have dubbed him no less than an honorary governor and “wise man.” The International Medical Corps team began its Erbil operations four months before Tofiq joined their ranks, in April of 2003, and have implemented nutrition, health, water and sanitation programs not just in Erbil but in the northern governorates of Tameem, Ninewa, and Dahuk as well. With the help of Tofiq and countless other dedicated local staff members, International Medical Corps works daily to alleviate the suffering of an estimated 800,000 internally displaced people (IDP) living in northern Iraq.
The majority of this IDP population must live in cramped, unsanitary settlements because they lack the resources to return to their ancestral homes. The settlements’ muddy streets often stink of sewage, and, prior to International Medical Corps’ arrival, settlers rarely had access to potable water or adequate health facilities. Even the settlements’ most vulnerable populations, pregnant women and young children, enjoyed little or no access to medical attention. “It’s difficult seeing children and babies living in such conditions, despite my years of field experience,” Tofiq admitted.
But northern Iraq’s problems are not limited to its settlement camps or IDP population. “Years of sanctions and war have affected the health habits and conditions of the population. Our work will improve the community health status and prevent the spread of disease,” stated Dr. Ala Hussein Shakur, International Medical Corpshealth education officer. “It’s a huge responsibility,” Dr. Ala concluded. But, since April 2003, International Medical Corps has proven itself fit for the task. To name just a few of their accomplishments to date, International Medical Corps doctors and staff recently rehabilitated six primary health care centers and constructed new water tanks, pumping stations, and piping networks in 12 Kurdish collectives. These projects have benefited over 75,000 Iraqis, IDP and host communities alike.
Naksheem Kareem, mother of ten and a resident of the Kasnazan collective, expressed delight that her community’s health is finally receiving the attention and care it deserves. She says children were often sick and their needs neglected. “I am happy my children are drinking a better quality of water—and we get water all day now—International Medical Corps has doubled my laundry and dishes,” she laughed, before turning solemn. “Our water was dirty and our children were sick. I would like to thank International Medical Corps for their work here.” International Medical Corps would like to thank Naksheem’s fellow Iraqis, like Tofiq, who have not only helped International Medical Corps bring about such positive change but who will also provide the persistence and passion necessary to maintain northern Iraq’s new health infrastructure long after International Medical Corps has departed.