MSF IRAQ: Mosul - Nine Years of Healing ​

First person testimony available here.

A lifeline in a devastated city

In October 2016, a nine-month military offensive to retake Mosul began after the city had spent nearly three years under the control of the Islamic State group. The fighting killed and injured thousands of people, displaced more than one million, and left large parts of Iraq’s second-largest city devastated. By the time the battle officially ended on 10 July 2017, much of Mosul's infrastructure, including its healthcare system, had been severely damaged. “The hospitals had been destroyed and there were no health services,” says Abdullah Isaa, an emergency nurse at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. “So, MSF opened this facility. People needed it. We treated many patients and saved many lives.”

Initially operating as a field hospital, Nablus Hospital received critical emergency cases from West Mosul, where the city's healthcare infrastructure had been destroyed or was no longer functioning. “In the immediate aftermath of the battle, MSF was the main healthcare provider in West Mosul,” explains Gemma Dominguez, MSF Head of Mission in Iraq. “Over the years, the authorities have gradually rebuilt and rehabilitated some of the hospitals, allowing more health services to resume.” As Mosul slowly recovered, the main public hospitals began to reopen, at first operating from temporary structures and caravans. Yet the continued high number of patients admitted to Nablus highlighted the ongoing need for specialised care. From 2018 to 2022, MSF teams assisted with an increasing number of deliveries, reaching a peak of 1,000 deliveries per month, while providing inpatient care for adults and children with urgent medical needs. As other hospitals resumed services, the needs of the community evolved. In response, Nablus Hospital adapted its activities, transitioning from a broad emergency response facility to a specialised paediatric emergency and maternity hospital, with a particular focus on emergency obstetric care and caesarean sections.

Sabah Faisal Farhan, a data entry operator in the emergency ward, has witnessed the hospital's evolution firsthand: “The transformation has been remarkable. We went from treating war injuries, which thank God have ended, to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and caring for patients in quarantine. Once the pandemic was over, we refocused our care exclusively on children under the age of 14.” In total, more than 250,000 emergency consultations were carried out, and more than 125,000 patients were admitted between 2017 and 2026.

Expanding and innovating to improve quality of care

Supporting the hospital's growth and continued delivery of quality care has required constant adaptation and innovation from MSF's medical and logistics teams. Over the years, they have developed and implemented solutions to improve the hospital's infrastructure, safety and environmental management. These include the Steriplus machine, which turns infectious medical waste into non-hazardous waste by shredding and sterilising it, and a wastewater treatment system that uses specialised bacteria to decontaminate water before it is released into the drainage network. Another major success of this project is the mini-laboratory for bacterial testing, set up in 2022, revealed high levels of antibiotic resistance among the population. Over the years, MSF shared these findings with the health authorities, along with guidance on antibiotic stewardship and training in infection prevention and control.

Mental health was also an important component of the hospital’s work. “The stories people share during psychological consultations have changed," says Safa Abdulkareem Abd Al-Badrani, an MSF psychological counsellor. “Although the difficulties they describe are still connected in some way to the consequences of the war, they are now less about war-related trauma and more about losing a job or a loved one.”

A place of birth and emotions

Above all, Nablus Hospital is about the stories that unfold there. “We have been through a lot at this hospital, especially in the maternity department,” says Jellan Mohammed, the maternity supervisor. “At times, we would receive a critical case every week and we handled each one as a team. These cases showed the results of our efforts: ​ when we saved a mother’s life, we were saving her baby’s life as well.”

"I have been working with the staff for the past six years. I supervise the staff, monitor their work and ensure that patients receive the best possible services and high-quality healthcare."

“When I think about the hospital, it reminds me of humanity, high-quality healthcare services, good protocols, commitment, skills and technique. All of these are part of MSF."

“It’s not just one story—there are many stories that have happened to us, especially in the maternity department. Sometimes, we would receive a critical case every week, and we handled each one as a team. These cases reflected the results of our efforts and showed how we were able to save a patient’s life."

“One patient came to the maternity department in pain. She had already entered labour. After the delivery, she developed a postpartum haemorrhage and started bleeding continuously. We faced a barrier, but we didn’t let it control us. We transferred her to another hospital and were able to save the lives of both the mother and the baby. I still remember walking her to the door, carrying the blood transfusion bag in my hand. I wanted to make sure she received the blood she needed. After some time, I saw the mother again at the hospital. She told me, ‘I’ll never forget you—you saved my life.’ The moment I saw her, I immediately remembered her. She hasn’t forgotten us, and we haven’t forgotten her. Experiences like this stay with us. We cannot forget them."

“These emergency situations showed us how we are able to work as a team, how we manage the situation and how we complete all the required steps within a specific timeframe. These are experiences that we will never forget."

“Mosul experienced very difficult times. We never imagined that we would be able to get through that period. But, thank God, we did. Now, Mosul is continuously developing, and healthcare services are gradually being restored. Step by step, hospitals are being restored, and the quality of healthcare services is improving."

Born at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital six years ago, Sanad is one of the 88,000 children delivered there over the past nine years. Like him, all his younger brothers and sisters were born at the hospital. “When my wife was discharged, she told me how well they had looked after her and the baby,” says Hadi Ali Ahmed Mohammad, Sanad’s father. “I thought to myself that anyone having a baby should come here.” This facility has been the go-to place for the family’s children, who live in a village west of Mosul. ​ “Once, my daughter got sick with a high fever, so I brought her here, and she stayed for a few days,” he continues. “After that, she was much better and went home happy.” Sanad and his father have come back to visit the family’s newborn, who is hospitalised in the neonatal unit.

Eighteen-month-old Sanad sits on a bed near his mother in the inpatient department at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. He has been hospitalised for several days with a severe chest infection that caused a high fever and seizures. He received oxygen therapy as part of his treatment. His mother appreciates the facility’s clean environment and the high-quality care provided free of charge.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this hospital—the staff as well as those who fund it. I say this on behalf of all of west Mosul,” she says. “Life in Mosul is better now, but there are no other services offering children this level of care.”

In the same ward is baby Zaid, who was born at the rebuilt Al-Batool Hospital but was referred to Nablus for jaundice. “He is a miracle baby,” says his mother. “We had been trying to have a baby for 10 years. Since he was born a few days ago, it ​ has felt like a dream. ​ It’s very emotional – there’s a bit of worry, but mostly joy!”

Zaid rests in his mother’s arms at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital, where he was referred for treatment of jaundice after being born at Al-Batool Hospital. His mother describes him as their “miracle baby”, the couple having tried to have a child for ten years. After five days in hospital, Zaid’s condition had improved, and he was discharged the following day.

The family remained in Mosul throughout the war.

“Life is better now, but it is still difficult for everyone. There is little support, so people continue to struggle,” says his mother. “For now, it feels like a dream because I waited ten years to have this baby. Since he was born, I have felt so many emotions—a little worry, but also so many positive feelings. He is doing well now.”

A city's journey towards healing

“Mosul has undergone a complete transformation, a wonderful change for the better,” says Sabah Faisal Farhan. ​ The bridges are busy with traffic, the markets are full again, and every corner of the old city is being rebuilt. Many relatives of patients say that, although finding work in Mosul is still very difficult, they recognise that the city is now safe and hope it stays that way. ​ Suhaib Raad adds: “We sincerely hope that the painful chapters are now behind us, and we look forward to seeing Mosul prosper for many years to come.”

“Today, people have access to healthcare services,” says Gemma Dominguez, MSF Head of Mission. “Our collaboration with the Directorate of Health has played an important role in ensuring high-quality care, both at Nablus Hospital and across the public health system. We are proud of what has been achieved here. This is the right moment to hand over the hospital and build on these achievements, while continuing to respond to other critical healthcare needs in Iraq.” ​ ​

At the end of December, MSF will hand over Nablus Hospital, which will continue operating as a public maternity hospital. As one chapter comes to a close, the hospital's legacy lives on in the hundreds of thousands of patients cared for and in the staff whose dedication and commitment shaped its journey. “Our lives have completely changed over these nine years. Mine, in particular, has changed profoundly,” adds Sabah Faisal Farhan. “The services we provided will never be forgotten by the people of Mosul, and we will never forget the patients we saw and all the things we were able to help with.” ​

Sabah joined MSF in 2017, before the city was fully retaken from the Islamic State group. At the time, the hospital was treating people injured during the conflict and families fleeing the violence.

"I had never worked in a hospital before, and at first it was difficult to see patients crying or in distress. Although I was not part of the medical team, I always tried to comfort them while they waited for medical or mental health support. It was the simplest thing I could offer."

Over the years, Sabah has witnessed both Nablus Hospital and Mosul undergo profound changes. The hospital’s activities moved from treating war casualties to responding to COVID-19 and later returned to providing care for children under 14.

Note to editors

MSF has worked in Iraq since 2003. As the country’s health system gradually recovers after decades of conflict and instability, MSF addresses remaining gaps, particularly in women’s health. In Baghdad, MSF collaborates with the National Tuberculosis Institute to support the national TB programme by strengthening treatment protocols, training healthcare staff, ensuring a continuous supply of medicines and conducting screening in places of detention. These activities aim to improve early detection, treatment adherence and the overall quality of TB care. MSF also supports Directorates of Health in several governorates and the Ministries of Health in federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region through staff training and improved mass casualty and emergency management. MSF teams also provide emergency medical support and donations of medical supplies to healthcare facilities in times of need to ensure that access to quality healthcare services is not disrupted during emergencies.

Photographs (© Florence Dozol/MSF)

More photos available here (please email to request high quality versions):

Eighteen-month-old Sanad sits on a bed near his mother in the inpatient department at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. He has been hospitalised for several days with a severe chest infection that caused a high fever and seizures. He received oxygen therapy as part of his treatment. His mother appreciates the facility’s clean environment and the high-quality care provided free of charge. “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this hospital—the staff as well as those who fund it. I say this on behalf of all of west Mosul,” she says. “Life in Mosul is better now, but there are no other services offering children this level of care.”

Portrait of Abdullah Issa, emergency triage nurse at Nablus Hospital in Mosul, Iraq. Abdullah has worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) since 2017, when the organisation began providing emergency medical care at Nablus amid the destruction of hospitals and the collapse of health services during the conflict. “We treated many patients and saved many lives,” Abdullah says. During the military operations, he and his colleagues received people with complex and critical injuries, including families arriving from areas of Mosul that had not yet been retaken. “Explosive devices would go off around them, killing half the family. Some families would arrive with only some of their members. They would tell us that the others had been left behind in the streets, injured on the way, or were caught in attacks. You would not know whether to treat them or comfort them. This situation was very common, especially in the beginning. They were escaping the residential areas, through side roads and rough terrain. These kinds of things really affected me. We would treat them by providing them with psychological support before medical care.” "Then the military operations ended, and Mosul was completely retaken. We found that the people needed the hospital more than during the war. We rescued drowning victims, we treated heart attack cases affecting elderly, adults, and even newborns. We provided outstanding care to the community." For Abdullah, working with MSF means being part of a place where people can find safety and care. “There is a verse in the Quran that says whoever saves one life is as if they saved all of humanity. Nablus is a place that saves lives.” “Whenever I say I work with MSF, people share stories about how the organisation helped them.”

A market opposite the Al-Nabi Yunus Mosque, known as the Mosque of the Prophet Jonah, that was destroyed when the Islamic State group took control of the city in 2014. Its reconstruction was completed in April 2026, and it stands as a symbolic landmark of Mosul’s rebirth.

A nurse cares for Salah al-Din, one of the two newborn brothers, in the neonatal care unit at Nablus Hospital. Their sister, Yara, was in a stable condition and did not require intensive care. Born prematurely at eight months of pregnancy in a private clinic, the triplets were transferred to Nablus for specialised care. The two boys initially required CPAP breathing support and intensive care, but no longer needed it the following day. By their third day in the unit, all three babies were sleeping peacefully and no longer required intensive care. The family had been expecting twins; the third baby was discovered during the delivery. Their grandmother is caring for them at the hospital while their mother recovers at home. “Before Nablus Hospital, a woman who wanted to have a child had to save money for at least a year to afford the delivery,” says the grandmother. “This hospital has greatly helped people living in poverty. Life in Mosul is better now, but the health sector still needs to be developed because healthcare in Iraq remains expensive.”

Jawahir Abd Dawood holds her newborn grandson in her arms while the baby’s mother rests nearby at the MSF maternity unit in Nablus Hospital. The mother and grandmother arrived at 8:30 a.m., and the baby boy was born two hours later. This is the family’s fifth visit of the maternity unit. They live in Al Ouboor neighbourhood in west Mosul after fleeing Sinjar when the Islamic State arrived. “Life in Mosul is better now, and the city is safe, but finding work is very difficult,” Jawahir says. Her husband has a disability and cannot find employment, while her three sons rely on occasional construction contracts to support the 15 family members living together in a rented house. “We lost our house and car in Sinjar. I hope job opportunities here will improve.”Inside Mosul’s historic fish market, one of Iraq’s most famous fish markets,. The place is full of customers, as fish is a popular dish among Mosulis.

Inside a chai (tea) house in Mosul’s historic fish market, one of the most famous fish markets in Iraq. The place is full of customers, embodying the liveliness of the city, as tea houses are popular gathering places in Iraq.Four-and-a-half-year-old Kayan Rayan sits cross-legged with a pulse oximeter on his fingertip while a nurse checks his vital signs in the emergency room at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. After being unwell for three days, he was readmitted with fever and dehydration. Kayan is accompanied by his uncle, who lives in the neighbourhood and appreciates the quality of care provided at the hospital. His uncle previously brought his own daughter to the emergency department. Although he initially wanted to take her home, the medical team persuaded him to let her remain in hospital for treatment of severe dehydration. He was grateful that the medical team had succeeded in changing his mind.

Two-and-a-half-month-old Yasmin Harith sleeps calmly on a bed in the emergency room at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital while being monitored and treated for dehydration. Her mother is by her side. Yasmin was admitted with diarrhoea and vomiting, which are common among young children during the summer months in Mosul. Yasmin and her three siblings were all born in the hospital’s maternity unit, which the family considers a comfortable and safe place to receive care.

View from the eastern bank of the Tigris River in Mosul, with the rebuilding of the Old City in the background. This neighbourhood was one of the most heavily damaged during the Battle of Mosul in 2017, and construction work will be ongoing for the coming years.Inside Mosul’s historic fish market, one of Iraq’s most famous fish markets,. The place is full of customers, as fish is a popular dish among Mosulis.

Zaid rests in his mother’s arms at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital, where he was referred for treatment of jaundice after being born at Al-Batool Hospital. His mother describes him as their “miracle baby”, the couple having tried to have a child for ten years. After five days in hospital, Zaid’s condition had improved, and he was discharged the following day. The family remained in Mosul throughout the war. “Life is better now, but it is still difficult for everyone. There is little support, so people continue to struggle,” says his mother. “For now, it feels like a dream because I waited ten years to have this baby. Since he was born, I have felt so many emotions—a little worry, but also so many positive feelings. He is doing well now.”Mosul: Nine Years of Healing Three-year-old Wadhah Khaleel lies on a bed in the emergency room as a nurse inserts an intravenous (IV) cannula in preparation for an IV drip to treat his dehydration at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. Wadhah was born by caesarean section in the facility’s maternity unit.

Haider Hussein, 33, is from Mosul, Iraq. He joined MSF as a watchman at Nablus Hospital in October 2017, during the difficult period following the battle for Mosul. “In the beginning, our work was a bit challenging because it was during the early period following the liberation. There were terrorist incidents. There were explosions here and there, and people were killed, so it was a difficult time for us. However, thanks to the efforts of MSF and our supervisors, we managed to get through that period." “There were many moments, especially during the liberation, when people would come to us with very severe injuries. They had lost limbs or half their bodies. The children’s terror and fear—this is something that you can’t forget." “The change was definitely for the better. The project expanded significantly and began receiving more cases. As a result, people developed a very positive impression of this facility compared with the other hospitals across Mosul." “The hospital provided an important service to people in need, at a time when opportunities and resources here were limited. We are very grateful because MSF came when the city truly needed it. It was a beautiful period because we provided assistance to those in need, especially during the war. Those were very difficult days. We went through a very intense war that other people did not experience." “I will remember that I provided assistance. I’m proud of myself, and I’m proud of MSF, of course, because I was part of a team that provided amazing services." “Our lives, thank God, have become stable, and we have safety and peace. The change compared with the past is huge. Before, we couldn’t really go out, especially at night. Now, you can go out whenever you want, go anywhere you like, and no one questions you." “I’m currently studying law. After I saw that I could provide humanitarian services, I decided to continue my studies. I owe it all to MSF because working with them inspired me to love community service and to help people.”

Three-year-old Wadhah Khaleel lies on a bed in the emergency room as a nurse sets up an intravenous (IV) drip to treat his dehydration at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. He was born in the maternity of the facility by caesarean section.

Jellan Mohammad Ali, maternity department supervisor at Nablus Hospital, Mosul "I have been working with the staff for the past six years. I supervise the staff, monitor their work and ensure that patients receive the best possible services and high-quality healthcare." “When I think about the hospital, it reminds me of humanity, high-quality healthcare services, good protocols, commitment, skills and technique. All of these are part of MSF." “It’s not just one story—there are many stories that have happened to us, especially in the maternity department. Sometimes, we would receive a critical case every week, and we handled each one as a team. These cases reflected the results of our efforts and showed how we were able to save a patient’s life. Saving a patient’s life is something truly wonderful. We are not only saving the mother’s life; we are saving the baby’s life as well. This made us feel proud." “One patient came to the maternity department in pain. She had already entered labour. After the delivery, she developed a postpartum haemorrhage and started bleeding continuously. We faced a barrier, but we didn’t let it control us. We transferred her to another hospital and were able to save the lives of both the mother and the baby. I still remember walking her to the door, carrying the blood transfusion bag in my hand. I wanted to make sure she received the blood she needed. After some time, I saw the mother again at the hospital. She told me, ‘I’ll never forget you—you saved my life.’ The moment I saw her, I immediately remembered her. She hasn’t forgotten us, and we haven’t forgotten her. Experiences like this stay with us. We cannot forget them." “These emergency situations showed us how we are able to work as a team, how we manage the situation and how we complete all the required steps within a specific timeframe. These are experiences that we will never forget." “Mosul experienced very difficult times. We never imagined that we would be able to get through that period. But, thank God, we did. Now, Mosul is continuously developing, and healthcare services are gradually being restored. Step by step, hospitals are being restored, and the quality of healthcare services is improving." “I would like to thank MSF for all the time they spent in Mosul. We have all benefited from it, both in terms of providing services to patients and on a personal level. We developed our skills, both theoretically and practically, and received training at national and international levels."

The al-Nabi Yunus Mosque, known as the Mosque of the Prophet Jonah, that was destroyed when the Islamic State group took control of the city in 2014. Its reconstruction was completed in April 2026, and it stands as a symbolic landmark of Mosul’s rebirth.

Inside the emergency ward at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital in Mosul, paediatric patients receive care as Badr Muyad, health promotion supervisor, walks towards a patient’s bed.

Suhaib Raad, radio operator, Nablus Hospital since 2027, year of the opening of the facility. My journey with MSF began as a security guard in the emergency room. In those early days, conditions were incredibly brutal. The ER was constantly flooded with casualties and patients of all backgrounds and ages—soldiers, young children, and elderly people—requiring treatment for severe illnesses and horrific war wounds. It was a profoundly overwhelming transition for a young man moving directly from university classrooms into an emergency unit filled with trauma, intense pressure, and heartbreaking stories." "During that defining period, I witnessed firsthand how crucial it was to have a medical organization and field hospital in a place like West Mosul, which was entirely cut off and isolated from other medical facilities immediately after the battle. It truly served as a sanctuary, a vital lifeline, and a source of hope for countless families across Mosul." MSF’s presence during the battle in 2017 and in the difficult years that followed left a profound impression on the people of Mosul—a sentiment we clearly witnessed among countless individuals. The hospital served as a true place of safety and healing for many." "Constructing a hospital in Nablus breathed new life into the area, transforming it into a more vibrant and bustling district. Initially operating as a field hospital, it received critical emergencies and performed urgent surgeries, embodying the very definition of a humanitarian lifeline. Over time, as needs shifted, the facility adapted its services, transitioning into a specialized paediatric emergency and maternity hospital focused on caesarean sections." "Thankfully, Mosul has finally reached an advanced stage of recovery. What I want to say is that Mosul today is not the Mosul that was portrayed during the war; it is no longer a destroyed city. Mosul is now flourishing, with upscale hotels, good roads, and excellent hospitals. These developments help attract people from other governorates and even from outside the country." "We sincerely hope that the painful chapters of recovery are fully behind us. We look forward to seeing Mosul remain prosperous—a tangible reality that we can witness with our own eyes through the architectural boom and ongoing projects on the ground."Zainab Osama, a medical interpreter who has worked with MSF at Nablus Hospital for three years. "I have spent three wonderful years with MSF at Nablus Hospital. I usually work with the training team, focusing our efforts on capacity-building programmes and regularly visiting local hospitals that provide the same services we do. Typically, we stay with each hospital for six months to a full year. By the time we finish, we ensure that qualified professionals are fully prepared to fill the void left behind once MSF completes its mission and leaves Nablus Hospital." “I see Nablus Hospital as a beehive. Let me explain the thinking behind this comparison. I have worked in various places before, but when I joined Nablus Hospital, I saw that it operated like a beautifully tuned machine. Every component performs a specific function, and every person plays a vital role. These separate parts work together in harmony to serve one ultimate purpose: helping patients. To me, Nablus Hospital is a true beehive—everyone is driven by a single goal and works in perfect harmony." “Recently, there was a situation in which a husband wanted to discharge his wife against medical advice. MSF and the entire medical team stood as her shield and ensured that she received the care she needed. Moments like this embody the true mission of MSF: standing by people who have no one else to turn to. This ordeal made me realise the profound vulnerability of women in our society. It is terrifying to think about what might happen if we were left without the protection of dedicated professionals." “During and after the war, Mosul was reduced to rubble, and we suddenly felt as though we were no longer welcome in our own home. During that dark period, we saw cherished people—our neighbours, our relatives, and even strangers whose roots were tied to this land and who were essential to the community—vanish or suffer in the most horrific ways. It broke us. Following these tragedies, Mosul underwent significant changes, both positive and negative. One remarkable development has been greater cultural openness. Today, there is a more progressive attitude towards women’s rights. Women are now driving cars in greater numbers, going out independently, pursuing higher education, and focusing intently on their futures." “Demolished buildings are being reconstructed, and extensive archaeological excavations are revealing more of the heritage we thought we had lost. Many destroyed churches are also being rebuilt through various projects. I am happy that progress is being made. After everything it has endured, Mosul looks more beautiful, and it is finally healing and breathing again.”

Four-and-a-half-year-old Kayan Rayan shows Badr Muyad, health promotion supervisor, that he is feeling well and acting bravely in the emergency room at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. After being unwell for three days, the boy was readmitted with fever and dehydration. Kayan is accompanied by his uncle, who lives in the neighbourhood and appreciates the quality of care provided at the hospital. His uncle previously brought his own daughter to the emergency department. Although he initially wanted to take her home, the medical team persuaded him to let her remain in hospital for treatment of severe dehydration. He was grateful that the medical team had succeeded in changing his mind.Salah Hussein, the newborn’s grandmother, holds her granddaughter in the MSF maternity unit at Nablus Hospital, Ninewa governorate. The baby girl was born at 10:30 a.m., just a few hours before the photograph was taken, and had not yet been named. The family travelled from Badush, about a 30-minute drive from Mosul, and arrived at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. This was their third visit to the maternity unit, where other women in the family have also chosen to give birth because of the quality of care.

Dr. Mohammed Amr, a pediatrician, has worked with MSF since 2019 at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. He also works as a pediatrician and heads the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Mosul General Hospital. "One patient I particularly remember was a baby whose progress I still follow today; he is now about three years old. He was referred to us from a private hospital in Mosul, weighing approximately 900 grams. He was admitted to our neonatal unit and stayed for nearly 50 days. He experienced recurrent neonatal apnea, received multiple blood transfusions, and frequently came close to death. His mother and the medical staff had almost lost hope. However, his condition gradually improved. His recovery was deeply heartening, especially because his breathing stopped 20 to 30 times during apnea episodes and he needed CPAP support. Today, he leads a completely normal life. This is just one of the many stories we experienced here." "At Nablus hospital we learned a great deal from our MSF colleagues over years and shared this knowledge with colleagues in our public hospitals. We made new friends and worked together as one team. Every visiting international doctor offered new insights that enriched our existing knowledge. It was also a valuable blend of cultures and medical education, from which we benefited immensely. This gave us, as local doctors, significant expertise through collaboration with international colleagues." "Many MSF protocols are now applied in the hospital where we work. We use the same MSF guidelines in our public hospitals, especially for neonatal patients and malnutrition cases—the latter was a completely new specialty in our local medical community. Dr. Zakaria and I established a Kangaroo Mother Care unit at Mosul General Hospital in 2021, building on MSF's successful experience. The results were excellent: we managed many premature births, with outcomes comparable to MSF's. Our experience with MSF was extremely positive and useful, benefiting not only specialist doctors but also nursing staff." "Nablus hospital was extremely vital for the city: it received patients referred from other hospitals and was among the first facilities here to introduce CPAP devices. It was also the only hospital providing specialised care for children with malnutrition, which was unavailable at other healthcare facilities. This was a completely new service that added a great deal to healthcare in Mosul during this period." "In Mosul, there has certainly been major change for the better in all areas. The city has developed significantly through infrastructure reconstruction and the construction and upgrading of hospitals. New academic programs have been introduced, including in medical specialties and other fields. The greatest proof of this progress is the city's recovery from four years of war, which had almost taken it back to square one. Thanks to the people of Mosul, who are known for their generosity and dedication to work, the city recovered in a very short time and became better than it was before."Inside a chai (tea) house in Mosul’s historic fish market, one of the most famous fish markets in Iraq. The place is full of customers, embodying the liveliness of the city, as tea houses are popular gathering places in Iraq.

A nurse cares for Salah al-Din and Taim, two newborn brothers, in the neonatal care unit at Nablus Hospital. Their sister, Yara, was in a stable condition and did not require intensive care. Born prematurely at eight months of pregnancy in a private clinic, the triplets were transferred to Nablus for specialised care. The two boys initially required CPAP breathing support and intensive care, but no longer needed it the following day. By their third day in the unit, all three babies were sleeping peacefully and no longer required intensive care. The family had been expecting twins; the third baby was discovered during the delivery. Their grandmother is caring for them at the hospital while their mother recovers at home. “Before Nablus Hospital, a woman who wanted to have a child had to save money for at least a year to afford the delivery,” says the grandmother. “This hospital has greatly helped people living in poverty. Life in Mosul is better now, but the health sector still needs to be developed because healthcare in Iraq remains expensive.”

A nurse cares for Salah al-Din, one of the two newborn brothers, in the neonatal care unit at Nablus Hospital. Their sister, Yara, was in a stable condition and did not require intensive care. Born prematurely at eight months of pregnancy in a private clinic, the triplets were transferred to Nablus for specialised care. The two boys initially required CPAP breathing support and intensive care, but no longer needed it the following day. By their third day in the unit, all three babies were sleeping peacefully and no longer required intensive care. The family had been expecting twins; the third baby was discovered during the delivery. Their grandmother is caring for them at the hospital while their mother recovers at home. “Before Nablus Hospital, a woman who wanted to have a child had to save money for at least a year to afford the delivery,” says the grandmother. “This hospital has greatly helped people living in poverty. Life in Mosul is better now, but the health sector still needs to be developed because healthcare in Iraq remains expensive.”

Yara, the girl of the triplet newborns. Newborn triplets Salah al-Din and Taim, both boys, and Yara, a girl, rest in the neonatal care unit at Nablus Hospital. Born prematurely at eight months of pregnancy in a private clinic, they were transferred to Nablus for specialised care. The two boys initially required CPAP breathing support and intensive care, while their sister was in a stable condition. The following day, the boys no longer needed CPAP, and by their third day in the unit, all three babies were sleeping peacefully without intensive care. The family had been expecting twins; the third baby was discovered during the delivery. Their grandmother is caring for them in the hospital while their mother recovers at home. “Before Nablus Hospital, a woman who wanted to have a child had to save money for at least a year to afford the delivery,” says the grandmother. “This hospital has greatly helped people living in poverty. Life in Mosul is better now, but the health sector still needs to be developed because healthcare in Iraq remains expensive.”Sabah Farhan, MSF data entry operator working in triage in the emergency department at Nablus Hospital, Mosul. Sabah joined MSF in 2017, before the city was fully retaken from the Islamic State group. At the time, the hospital was treating people injured during the conflict and families fleeing the violence. "I had never worked in a hospital before, and at first it was difficult to see patients crying or in distress. Although I was not part of the medical team, I always tried to comfort them while they waited for medical or mental health support. It was the simplest thing I could offer." Over the years, Sabah has witnessed both Nablus Hospital and Mosul undergo profound changes. The hospital’s activities moved from treating war casualties to responding to COVID-19 and later returned to providing care for children under 14. "Mosul has undergone a complete 180-degree transformation—a wonderful change for the better. In healthcare and hospitals, many resources have become available, and in every respect, Mosul has returned stronger and better than before." "Nablus Hospital has had an incredibly powerful impact on both neighbouring areas and distant communities, whose people are deeply grateful. The services we provided to the people can never be forgotten; the humanitarian cases we have seen and the things we have been able to help with are things we will never forget. Our lives have changed completely over these nine years. My own life has been fully transformed."

A health promotion session takes place in the neonatal unit at the MSF-supported Nablus Hospital. During the session, Raja Sheet Mohammad discusses with the mother of Zaid about the importance of breastfeeding and other newborn-care topics.A nurse cares for Taim, one of the two newborn brothers, in the neonatal care unit at Nablus Hospital. Their sister, Yara, was in a stable condition and did not require intensive care. Born prematurely at eight months of pregnancy in a private clinic, the triplets were transferred to Nablus for specialised care. The two boys initially required CPAP breathing support and intensive care, but no longer needed it the following day. By their third day in the unit, all three babies were sleeping peacefully and no longer required intensive care. The family had been expecting twins; the third baby was discovered during the delivery. Their grandmother is caring for them at the hospital while their mother recovers at home. “Before Nablus Hospital, a woman who wanted to have a child had to save money for at least a year to afford the delivery,” says the grandmother. “This hospital has greatly helped people living in poverty. Life in Mosul is better now, but the health sector still needs to be developed because healthcare in Iraq remains expensive.”

Sanad Hadi Ali Ahmed, pictured smiling with his father, was born at Nablus Hospital on 1 April 2020. His father remembers leaving home before dawn to reach the hospital and feeling proud that Sanad was born there. Now, Sanad is an energetic and curious boy with an excellent memory. He is eager to start school and loves Mosul. Each time the family goes to Mosul, Sanad want to come. He accompanies his father around the city so often that he knows the streets and sometimes helps direct him along the roads. Sanad’s father supports a large family and relies mainly on a social welfare stipend, supplemented whenever possible by daily labour. The family endured years of hardship following the violence caused by the Islamic State group in 2014. They were displaced to Mosul in 2017 and returned to their village after it was retaken, despite widespread destruction and the slow restoration of essential services. Since 2018, Sanad’s father has been rebuilding their home little by little, completing each new section whenever he can save enough money. Despite continuing financial difficulties, the family remains deeply attached to their home. For Sanad’s father, wealth matters far less than safety, stability and a secure future for his children. His greatest wish is to see them settled peacefully in homes of their own. The family also retains a strong connection to Nablus Hospital, where Sanad was born and where his younger sister Tabarak later received treatment for a high fever.Mohammed Mustapha, hygiene team, working in Nablus Hospital since its opening in 2017. “During the battle, Mosul was completely devastated—a true disaster zone. That was when Doctors Without Borders stepped onto the ground, delivering life-saving humanitarian medical care to impoverished families and those in desperate need. The hospital was completely in ruins, but MSF stepped in to rebuild its entire infrastructure, continuing their vital work and delivering immense support. “I remember back during the liberation phase—those early days of the battle—people were in absolute, dire need of medical treatment. To be honest, since the very beginning of the liberation, I witnessed so many intense things right before my eyes. Yet, through it all, what stood out was our incredible team spirit—we were all completely equal, and I never drew any lines or felt any division with anyone. “I vividly remember the people who were with us. They came from all nationalities, and we still remember them dearly. They left a beautiful mark on our lives before returning to their home countries to serve elsewhere. We are deeply grateful to them because they leave their own families behind just to come and provide these vital services to us." “To tell you the truth, parts of Mosul were completely devastated, particularly the historic Old City, where entire neighbourhoods were turned into rubble and left as disaster zones. Life back during the early days of liberation was incredibly harsh. Thankfully, things are peaceful and stable now.” “MSF's stance and dedication back then are simply beyond words; no matter how much we, as employees, staff, and management, try to express it, words fail to do them justice. They have given so much to the Nineveh Governorate, and we owe them our deepest, heartfelt gratitude.