Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 2021's plans for Arbaeen were significantly modified to provide services needed and requested by our Iraqi colleagues, brothers and sisters. Current plans include a medical camp in Karbala, in-person training in COVID-19 protocols & disaster medicine, public health information for pilgrims/zawaar, and the continued provision of free medications/medical supplies and equipment.

However, there are some modifications to ensure we can help serve the needs of the Iraqis, as well as manage our delegates health and safety. Our plans involve only one site this year, with additional adjustments to the camp schedules and rotas. We will also be reducing the number of delegates we can accept and the applications have been modified to assess additional criteria, including the associated risks levels for COVID-19. We are working to carefully plan the schedules and group arrangements with infection control protocols/guidelines that all delegates must agree to adhere to as well.

As in previous years, the IMI Annual Arbaeen Conference will focus on hands-on training for our Iraqi colleagues, students and Ataba personnel. Currently planned courses include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Disaster Management Mass Casualty Triage & Drill Exercise
• Pre-Hospital Management of Hemorragic Trauma
• Donning & Doffing (PPE) Training
• Fit Testing (N95) Training

Please use this form to sign up for details regarding the courses and information on registration as soon as it opens.

Applications

Applications are now closed for IMI's 13th Annual Arbaeen Medical Mission. All interested health professionals (especially general practitioners/ family & emergency medicine physicians, cardiologists, respiratory specialists/ pulmonologists, pediatricians) were invited to apply for Medical Staff, pharmacists for Pharmacy Staff, nurses for Nursing Staff, dentists for Dental Staff and non-health professionals or students for Administrative Staff.

Given the current pandemic as well as the crisis in Iraq, the situation in Iraq is constantly shifting and volatile. Things constantly change on the ground and our baseline requirement is for all delegates to be patient, flexible and work together despite very intense and challenging conditions. All delegates must also strictly abide by the safety and infection prevention guidelines.

Application Process:

The application process will be broken into the following stages:

Stage 1. Initial Application: to begin applying, please complete this form. The form includes questions regarding your basic contact information, your health history, and your professional background. You will also need to upload a copy of your resume/CV.

Stage 2. Conversations: designated members of IMI's 13th Annual Arbaeen Medical Mission Committee will speak with applicants shortly after receiving your application to discuss your application, expectations and the process moving forward.

Stage 3. Additional documentation & Confirmation: After you are provisionally accepted for the delegation, you will be required to share additional documentation including copies of your (valid) passport and take additional steps within a short time frame to confirm your position with the delegation.

Costs:

As in all previous years, certain costs for IMI’s 13th Annual Arbaeen Medical Mission delegates were covered by IMI donors and collaborators. However, due to additional pandemic-related requirements, we do anticipate costs will be higher than in previous years. Therefore, all were advised to please anticipate costs to include:

• International travel costs (Air tickets and any hotels/additional stops on your way into/out of Iraq)
• Insurance
• Program costs (used towards medications, COVID testing, administration costs, accommodations etc)
• $100 USD for visa costs/ stamps at Najaf Airport (if you do not have stamped visas)
• $250-300 in suggested donations for medications to be purchased for use at the camp.

IMPORTANT:

DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, IMI's ANNUAL ARBAEEN MEDICAL MISSION WILL BE FOLLOWING STRICT PROTOCOLS & GUIDELINES: BOTH IN IRAQ & IN ADVANCE FOR THE GROUP'S SELECTION AND LOGISTICS.

Our services as well as selection and process were all modified accordingly and required strict adherence from all delegates for everyone's health and safety. Please make sure you carefully review the updated requirements and application and complete it with all the requested details. DATES ARE TENTATIVE & TRAVEL WILL BE CAREFULLY MANAGED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC: PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR TICKETS UNTIL YOU HAVE CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE & INFORMATION FROM IMI ON HOW TO DO SO.

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