Cholera in Iraq - Update 3

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Iraq Cholera Outbreak Update

1) Summary WHO has issued a third update on the cholera outbreak in Iraq from June 2021. Currently classified as 'low' grade, it is assessed as a localized outbreak rather than large-scale spread. Waterborne disease outbreaks in the Middle East region can impact the affected country's water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Potential temporary operational disruptions to agricultural production and food processing facilities within Iraq
• Expected increase in local demand for medical supplies and water treatment equipment related to water treatment and sanitation
• Potential delays due to enhanced quarantine measures on overland logistics routes between Iraq-Turkey and Iraq-Kuwait
• Direct impact on petroleum facility workforce operations remains limited to date

3) Watch points

• Need to confirm outbreak scale and regional scope through subsequent WHO updates
• Monitor whether the Iraqi government strengthens border controls and quarantine measures
• Track potential spread to neighboring Syria, Turkey, and Iran and regional logistics impacts