Khalid analysing a blood sample at Domiz Health Centre. ©UNHCR/Rasheed Hussein
Every morning, Dr. Amir drives the short distance from his home in Domiz town to the local primary health care clinic. A Syrian refugee and gynaecologist, he has lived in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) since fleeing his home in Syria in 2013. His days are fully booked—working from 8.00 hrs in the morning to 13.00 hrs in the afternoon, six days a week, caring for a range of patients from expecting mothers to individuals with reproductive health concerns.
Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Amir is proud of his profession and the fact he has been able to continue his career as a medical professional in Iraq. “The people of Kurdistan Region of Iraq helped me stand on my feet and use the experience I have to care and treat others.
“Nothing compares to the feeling of being part of a community and supporting others equally,” he says.
Dr. Amir preparing a prescription for a patient at the Domiz Primary Health Centre.©UNHCR/Rasheed Hussein
Located just a kilometre from the Domiz-1 refugee camp in Duhok governorate, the Domiz Primary Health Centre opened in April 2024 to provide medical services to both refugees and the local population. Constructed by UNHCR and equipped by the World Health Organization (WHO), it now treats around 300 patients every day. In total, 76 staff, including 44 refugees currently work and volunteer in the health centre.
Alongside Dr. Amir, fellow Syrian refugee Khalid Mohammed works as a volunteer laboratory specialist.
“As fighting erupted in my town, all I could think about was getting my family to a place where they would be safe. I didn’t know anyone here, but everyone helped my family and me until we settled. I could not feel anything but being thankful” Khalid recalls of his journey fleeing Qamishlo to Duhok.
Now residing in Domiz-1 refugee camp, Khalid has transformed his gratitude into meaningful action. At Domiz primary healthcare centre, he collects patient samples and performs analysis of the medical data to give his community reliable access to healthcare services.
“It feels like my duty to give back to the community that stood by my family and me during our hard times,” Khalid explains.
Despite all the uncertainty of displacement, both Dr. Amir and Khalid’s resilience and commitment to their profession have allowed them to rebuild their lives. Dr. Amir even runs his own private clinic in Duhok which he operates in the afternoons, providing essential healthcare to the wider community.
“These healthcare workers are transforming from displaced individuals to essential contributors, building resilience for both refugees and the local community,” says Dr. Khalid Shamoon, the Iraqi Head of Domiz Public Health Center. This sentiment is also shared by Muntaha, another laboratory specialist at the health centre “When refugees are given the chance to work, they become valuable members of society,” she adds.
Muntaha and Khalid performing their daily clinical duties at the centre. ©UNHCR/Rasheed Hussein
Amir and Khalid’s efforts also highlight the value of integrating refugees into society and giving them opportunities to work locally. “When we are part of the community, we can use our skills to help make it stronger,” Khalid states. Together, they not only enhance the region’s healthcare capacity but also serve as role models for self-reliance and resilience among refugees.
UNHCR continues advocating for the inclusion of refugees within national systems, including healthcare, across Iraq. The primary healthcare centre in Domiz is a prime example of what is possible, enabling equitable access and fostering social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
Lilly Carlisle contributed reporting to this story.
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