VIOLENCE INJURIES OF IRAQI CHILDREN

Abstract

SUMMARY: Iraqi Children suffered injuries during 1991 Gulf war. This was followed by suffering for 13 years from the effect of economic sanctions. The 2003 military invasion and occupation by coalition forces added more death and injuries. We wanted to know how frequent physical injuries were to Iraqi children, and how inflicted and what the consequences were. Mothers who were admitted with their children to the Children Welfare Hospital, Baghdad, in the period July 1–December 31, 2004, were interviewed about violence to their children, relatives, and neighbours that they had witnessed. Of the 218 mothers interviewed, 50 witnessed injuries (23%); 28 of those who witnessed injuries were from the city of Baghdad and 22 from towns in the central part of the country. Twenty two injuries were by gunshots, 14 by aerial attack or tank bombs, and others were due to explosions. Head injuries were the most common. Twenty of the injured children recovered with no disability, two lost fingers, two got blind, two were limping, and one had persistent backache. In conclusion, Iraqi Children were commonly victims of violence during invasion and occupation of Iraq. There seems to be inadequate protection for children during the years 2003–2004.