{"id":"fc5dda3e-ffd9-4edf-a5da-ee05f9b099fc","slug":"neurosurgery-in-iraq-at-the-time-of-corona","title":"Neurosurgery in Iraq at the Time of Corona","authors":["Samer S. Hoz","Zahraa F. Al-Sharshahi","Saja A. Albanaa"],"abstract":"Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide, including Iraq, where the first confirmed case was reported on February 22, 2020. The government implemented strict measures to contain the virus, but adherence has been suboptimal, leading to a rapid increase in cases. The healthcare system, already strained by war and resource scarcity, faces unprecedented challenges in managing the pandemic. Summary: In Iraq, the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital has seen a drastic reduction in surgical operations due to the pandemic, with elective surgeries decreasing by 67% from January to April 2020 compared to the previous year. The hospital is struggling with a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and has already quarantined staff due to potential COVID-19 exposure. The ongoing situation raises concerns about the hospital's ability to manage both neurosurgical care and the impending COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: The healthcare resources and infrastructure in Iraq are expected to be further strained in the coming months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategic, inter-sectorial action plan that incorporates international experience is urgently needed to navigate this public health crisis. Keywords: COVID-19, neurosurgery, Iraq, healthcare system, pandemic, surgical operations, personal protective equipment, public health crisis","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/general-neurosurgery.png","publishDate":"2020-05-09T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_143_2020","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10008/SNI-11-103.pdf"}