The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been actively involved in Iraq’s healthcare infrastructure development since the early 2000s, particularly after the 2003 Iraq war. As part of its health and humanitarian assistance programs, USAID has supported several initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, hospital equipment, and medical waste management systems.

Among these efforts, USAID-funded projects have included the supply and installation of medical waste incinerators for hospitals in conflict-affected and underserved areas of Iraq. These incinerators were intended to reduce the spread of infectious diseases by ensuring the safe destruction of hazardous biomedical waste. Some projects were implemented in collaboration with UN agencies or local Iraqi health authorities, focusing on building sustainable health systems and environmental protection.

However, in 2024C2025, the Biden administration proposed the dissolution of USAID as part of a broader restructuring of U.S. foreign aid. While this proposal sparked debate, if implemented fully by 2025, it may result in the termination or suspension of many ongoing USAID-funded programs, including hospital waste management support in Iraq. This raises concerns over the sustainability of essential infrastructure, especially in regions still recovering from conflict and instability.

As of now, many projects remain in limbo, awaiting alternative funding or partner organizations to resume or complete implementation.