Rheumatic Diseases in Iraq

Iraq, with a population exceeding 41 million, has witnessed steady development in rheumatology services over the past five decades. Rheumatology emerged as a formal specialty in the early 1970s, expanding through dedicated clinics, inpatient wards, national societies, and structured training pathways. Epidemiologic research has been ongoing since 1975, documenting the prevalence of major rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet disease, fibromyalgia, and hypermobility in both community and hospital settings. Although the national rheumatology workforce has grown, the specialist-to-population ratio remains below international benchmarks, with uneven geographic distribution and a continuing gap in pediatric rheumatology training. Diagnostic and therapeutic capacity has advanced through broader access to laboratory testing, imaging modalities, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and multidisciplinary care, alongside increasing biosimilar uptake. The Iraqi League for Bone and Joint Health plays a central role in professional development, regional and global collaboration, and research productivity, with increasing publication output across inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases, spondyloarthritis, and osteoporosis. Continued investment in workforce expansion, pediatric training, nursing certification, standardized referral pathways, and research infrastructure is expected to further strengthen rheumatology care and outcomes in Iraq.