Special medical focus: Children's health and Women's health

Children's Health. WiRED's planners were driven by the findings of a May 2007 Save the Children report, which states: "Some 122,000 Iraqi children died in 2005 before reaching their fifth birthday. More than half of these deaths were among newborn babies in the first month of life. . . . Iraq has made the least progress (of any country) in reducing child deaths since 1990." No other means exists to provide Iraqi physicians with the latest information that could help save many of these children, which is why WiRED will step in with a program that addresses some of the critical issues for infant and child health.

Women's Health. A recent study by the Iraqi government reveals a sharp increase in the incidence of breast cancer, especially in the southern regions of Iraq. According to the study, reported cases increased by 19 percent in just one year, between 2005 and 2006. Other cancers in women also recorded and increase. WiRED will concentrate a program on breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, special cardiac conditions and other health problems faced by Iraqi women. In addition to addressing these illnesses directly, WiRED plans to hold special video sessions between American and Iraqi female doctors.
This will offer a rare and valuable opportunity for female physicians in Iraq to share thoughts and concerns with their female colleagues in the U.S.