Iraq experience in handling the COVID-19 pandemic: implications of public health challenges and lessons learned for future epidemic preparedness planning.

Background: Iraq has been exceptionally challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the already exhausted healthcare system.

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in Iraq, the government's response to the pandemic, and provide recommendations for further action.

Methods: A desk review of secondary data using the available reports on the epidemiological situation in Iraq as well as official governmental sources was conducted.