Citizens' Committee Formation Meeting – Halabja Governorate
2025-06-01
Citizens' Committee Formation Meeting – Halabja Governorate
Organized by: Human Network for Health and Humanitarian Work
Date: May 17, 2025
Location: Halabja Governorate
Introduction
As a follow-up to the outcomes of the general meeting held by the Human Network on February 25, 2025, regarding the assessment of the health situation in Halabja Governorate, the Network organized a special meeting on May 17, 2025, to form a "Citizens' Committee" in the governorate. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance community participation in assessing the health sector, identifying challenges, and developing context-specific recommendations to be presented at the upcoming roundtable meeting. The roundtable will bring together stakeholders from various sectors including health, administration, academia, and civil society organizations.
Meeting Objectives
To establish the Citizens' Committee representing the local community of Halabja in the ongoing health service monitoring and evaluation efforts.
To organize and categorize the challenges and obstacles identified during the previous general meeting and the current session.
To prepare for the upcoming roundtable meeting by compiling a comprehensive report that reflects the citizens' perspective on health-related issues.
To prioritize urgent and strategic health needs requiring immediate or planned interventions.
Meeting Agenda
Review of the outcomes of the previous general meeting.
Presentation of key challenges identified, including:
Shortage of medical staff
Weak infrastructure
Lack of essential medications
Poor management of health facilities
Inactive referral system
Weak monitoring and oversight of health services
Explanation of the Citizens' Committee's working mechanism:
Community-based monitoring role
Coordination with the Human Network and local stakeholders
Data collection, complaint tracking, and analysis
Contribution to designing practical solutions and policy recommendations
Selection of committee members:
A diverse group of citizens was selected from across the governorate, representing various segments including women, youth, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and persons with disabilities.
Geographical balance across neighborhoods and areas of Halabja was taken into consideration.
Recommendations
Provide logistical and technical support to the Citizens' Committee through the Human Network to ensure effective performance.
Involve the committee in all stages of health analysis and planning to ensure genuine representation of community needs.
Expedite the organization of the roundtable meeting with decision-makers to present the committee’s findings and recommendations.
Emphasize the sustainability of the committee's work beyond the roundtable as a permanent mechanism for community accountability.
Conclusion
The formation of the Citizens' Committee in Halabja marks a significant step towards community engagement in developing the local health system. The Human Network believes that the active participation of citizens, combined with technical and administrative expertise, will lead to practical and sustainable solutions to the health challenges facing the governorate.
Number of Participants: 14
Gender Breakdown: 5 Female, 9 Male
