AstraZeneca Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Thi-Qar Health Directorate to Establish a Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital

Nasiriyah, Iraq - AstraZeneca and the Thi-Qar Health Directorate announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, August 26, at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital to launch a Severe Asthma Center of Excellence. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in the healthcare and educational fields and enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals, to improved diagnosis and treatment services for patients with severe asthma in Iraq.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ayman Rahal, General Manager of AstraZeneca Iraq, and Dr. Rashid Najm Al-Khalidi, Director of the Thi-Qar Health Directorate. This step reflects the commitment of both parties to achieving tangible progress in the quality of healthcare provided to patients with severe asthma.

At AstraZeneca, we believe that improving patient care starts with strong partnerships and empowered healthcare professionals. Through our collaboration with the Thi-Qar Health Directorate, we are establishing a Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital that will serve as a reference center for advanced asthma care in the region. By supporting specialized training and professional development for medical and nursing teams, we hope to strengthen local capabilities and help more patients receive timely, high-quality care.

Dr. Ayman Rahhal, General Manager of AstraZeneca Iraq, commented: “At AstraZeneca, we believe that improving patient care starts with strong partnerships and empowered healthcare professionals. Through our collaboration with the Thi-Qar Health Directorate, we are establishing a Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital. By supporting specialized training and professional development for medical and nursing teams, we aim to strengthen local capabilities and help more patients receive timely, high-quality care.”

Dr. Rahhal added: “We are proud to be part of this pioneering initiative, which will contribute to advancing healthcare in Iraq. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this center will have on the diagnosis and management of severe asthma.”

For his part, Dr. Rashid Najm Al-Khalidi said:

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with AstraZeneca reflects our commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services in Thi-Qar Governorate. We recognize the importance of collaborating with global healthcare companies and look forward to benefiting from AstraZeneca’s expertise in developing the Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital.”

Dr. Al-Khalidi added:

“This partnership will help strengthen the capabilities of our healthcare workforce through specialized training programs and workshops, as well as support educational visits to leading specialized centers worldwide. We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the success of this project and achieve our shared objectives.”

This partnership includes a range of joint activities, including:

1. Supporting Training and Development Programs: AstraZeneca will support twinning and training programs with regional centers specializing in severe asthma, in addition to providing training programs for nursing staff and programs in research and data analysis. These initiatives will help strengthen the capabilities of healthcare professionals at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital and enhance the quality of severe asthma diagnosis and management.

The Memorandum of Understanding does not impose any financial obligations on the Thi-Qar Health Directorate. All support and training programs outlined in the agreement will be funded by AstraZeneca, in accordance with the terms agreed upon by both parties.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between AstraZeneca and the Thi-Qar Health Directorate represents an important step toward improving healthcare in Iraq and strengthening the capabilities of local healthcare professionals. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to achieve meaningful progress in the quality of healthcare services provided to patients with severe asthma in the region.

About AstraZeneca:

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.