Through this project, STLI physicians and nurses provide basic primary medical care, and also women’s medical care, for the Yezidi Internally Displaced People living in the Khanke area of the KRI.  The clinic provides medical care as well as addressing whole-person health needs (body, mind, and soul) through preventative care and health education. 

Serving Yezidi Internally Displaced People, this project identifies lactation-risk pregnant women and new mothers, providing classes and ongoing support to keep women exclusively breastfeeding until at least an infant age of 6 months. Through Babywell, we train local women (most of whom have medical backgrounds) to teach, address specific breastfeeding problems, and monitor infant nutritional health. Trainings for other healthcare professionals and community members are also done to increase awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. As the project expands, it hopes to reach other underserved and vulnerable populations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

In September 2022 an STLI counselor started seeing clients at the FamilyWell Clinic in Khanke. This STLI counselor works to address trauma, chronic mental illness, depression, anxiety, and marital and family issues. 

Years of conflict in northern Iraq have left gaps in the healthcare system, leading to an increase in preventable disabilities and chronic health issues. The L.I.G.H.T. project focuses on reducing the incidence of disabilities, improving the quality of life for affected individuals, and addressing stigma through education and support. By building on the existing BabyWell Project, L.I.G.H.T. offers pre- and post-natal care education, community-based rehabilitation, and the development of local language resources to empower caregivers and reduce burnout. Through these efforts, the project seeks to honor the dignity of persons with disabilities and foster healthier communities.