Voices from Iraq: Emerging Clinical Evidence and Implications for Global Health Equity

Abstract

This editorial emphasises the incredible potential of clinical research coming from regions affected by conflict, with a focus on Iraq's contribution to global health equity. Rather than conforming to typical narratives surrounding conflict, Iraq’s clinical research offers a fresh perspective that helps to decolonise the evidence in areas such as oncology, trauma, and maternal health. Despite facing important widespread challenges, Iraqi researchers are delivering critical and relevant insights in six key areas: (1) Gender-specific biochemical markers in rheumatoid arthritis demonstrate higher levels of uric acid and alkaline phosphatase; (2) The Bristow-Latarjet technique for treating shoulder instability achieves an impressive success rate of 75%, even under resource constraints; (3) The epidemiology of traumatic brain injuries in conflict areas reveals that blast injuries account for a staggering 39.5% of cases, whereas conservative management increases mortality risk greatly (OR=20.03); (4) Research on the hepatoprotective effects of Tribulus terrestris extract shows promise against methotrexate toxicity, offering affordable options for managing liver damage due to chemotherapy; (5) A connection between Tetraiodothyronine (T4) hormone levels and higher instances of miscarriage, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and low birth weight; and (6) Enhanced levels of inflammatory markers (PCT, TNF-α, IL-6) combined with low zinc levels can predict disease progression, immune dysfunction, and nutritional deficiencies among lymphoma patients in resource-limited settings.

All these studies are a testament to resilience, innovative thinking on a budget, and the critical need to diversify health research. This paper addresses the persistent structural inequalities in academic publishing, where voices from low and middle-income countries are often overlooked, and promotes platforms like the Babcock University Medical Journal as critical for promoting comprehensive scholarship. Key recommendations include focusing on research led by low and middle-income countries, adapting global guidelines to fit local circumstances (like conflict-specific TBI protocols), and encouraging collaborations within the Global South. By emphasising Iraqi evidence, this editorial seeks to challenge traditional hierarchies in knowledge and calls for a shift in perspective: from viewing conflict zones as barren data environments to seeing them as active centres of innovation. Conclusively, it advocates for fair partnerships to co-create a globally comprehensive and actionable evidence base.