State-of-the-Art Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital Inaugurated in Mosul, Bringing Critical Cancer Care to Northern Iraq

August 9, 2026
Aerial view of a large beige building complex with blue roofs and a busy parking lot.

 

MOSUL, IRAQ – 9 Aug 2026 – The Government of Iraq, the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today marked the formal inauguration of the rehabilitated Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital in West Mosul.

Severely damaged during the conflict, the hospital has been restored through a USD 17.9 million investment financed by the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank and implemented by UNDP under the Funding Facility for Stabilization.

The hospital has been operational since 31 May 2026 and is currently providing chemotherapy and nuclear medicine services, supported by a functioning electronic medical-record system. As its services continue to expand, it has the potential to serve a  population of more than 800,000 people across Ninewa.

UNDP completed the comprehensive rehabilitation of the hospital’s structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical systems, together with the specialized infrastructure required for oncology and nuclear medicine services. Rehabilitation was completed in April 2025, and the facility was formally handed over to the Ministry of Health in July 2025

The Government of Iraq complemented the rehabilitation by investing in specialized medical equipment and operational readiness, including linear accelerators, a CT simulator, a gamma camera, medical furniture and specialized treatment infrastructure. 

Press conference: man in red shirt at podium with circular logo, flanked by officials.

 

The inauguration of the Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital marks an important milestone in strengthening specialized cancer care in Ninewa. This facility will bring essential oncology services closer to patients and their families, while strengthening the capacity of Iraq’s health system to respond to the growing need for specialized treatment. We greatly appreciate the support of the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank and UNDP, whose partnership has helped make this important achievement possible.” said Dr. Khamis Al-Saad, Deputy Minister of the Iraqi Ministry of Health.

“This hospital represents more than the rehabilitation of infrastructure. It marks the return of specialized cancer services to Ninewa and demonstrates how stabilization investment can contribute to a stronger, nationally managed health system. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Germany, KfW Development Bank, and the Government of Iraq for their shared vision and steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of the Iraqi people.” said Mehdi Khalili, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Iraq.

"Germany remains deeply committed to supporting Iraq's recovery and the restoration of its essential services. Access to modern, reliable healthcare is a fundamental pillar of a stable and prosperous society. We are proud to partner with UNDP and the Government of Iraq to deliver this state-of-the-art oncology center, ensuring that the people of Ninewa have access to the critical, life-saving care they deserve right here at home." said Marc Hensel, Country Director, KfW.

The hospital’s rehabilitation forms part of wider efforts to restore essential services and strengthen public infrastructure in areas affected by the conflict. Its transition to national operation demonstrates the importance of combining international financing, UNDP implementation and Iraqi investment to deliver functioning and sustainable public services.

The next priority is to consolidate hospital operations and progressively activate its full clinical capacity. This includes completing remaining radiology requirements and ensuring sustained staffing, maintenance, medicines and medical supplies.

Further development of PET-CT capability is also under consideration. Any future investment in a cyclotron would require technical assessment and financing to support the local production of short-lived medical isotopes used in advanced diagnostic imaging.

 

For media inquiries:
Mohammed Al-Bahbahanee

Communications Analyst, UNDP Iraq

mohammed.al-bahbahanee@undp.org