The Iraqi Ministry of Health has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading European companies to establish the first insulin manufacturing facility in the northern province of Nineveh.
The agreement involves a collaboration with a major Polish insulin producer—ranked among the top global manufacturers—and a German partner. Preparations are underway, including the allocation of land for the facility and the completion of contractual procedures.
The initiative stems from the government’s commitment to boosting Iraq’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, aiming to produce insulin that aligns with European quality standards.
According to the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Khamis Al-Saad, Iraq’s growing need for insulin—currently met through lengthy import processes—makes local production a strategic necessity. He noted that this project marks a key development not only for Iraq but for the entire region, being the first of its kind.
Ensuring a stable supply of insulin is critical for managing diabetes, and the move is expected to significantly improve access to the life-saving medication. The effort also aligns with one of the primary objectives on the national agenda, with the health sector identified as a top priority by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.