October 31, 2022

HSP’s Iraq Health Security Stewards Fellowship Programs Gathered at the University of Babylon for an Event to Celebrate Their Accomplishments and Establish an Alumni Network

On October 23rd, 2022, 46 alumni from HSP’s Iraq Health Security Stewards Fellowship Programs gathered at the University of Babylon for an event to celebrate their accomplishments and establish an alumni network of Stewards Fellows in Iraq. Over the past four years, our Iraq Stewards Fellowship programs brought together two cohorts of biosecurity champions and emerging leaders representing university faculty from the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Ministry of Scientific Research and Higher Education (MOHESR). These two groups have had an in-depth training and mentorship program focused on biothreats, fundamental biosecurity principles and policies, international frameworks for health security, national policies, dual use research of concern, and culture of responsibility.

During this event, HSP staff and Fellows from the 2019 and 2021 cohorts reflected on their accomplishments, celebrated the great body of work that our Fellows have put into advocating and raising awareness for and strengthening health security in Iraq, and solidified our alumni network to continue capacity building efforts to advance health security. We were thrilled at the opportunity for our Fellows to gather together in-person and continue to be impressed by the work of our Iraq biosecurity champions.