ABSTRACT
T h e development of the health programme of Iraq and Iran offers an interesting basis for comparison. In climate, and racial and cultural background, as well as in the economic level of life, the two countries differ greatly. These factors in Iran are all more advantageous for a higher health standard than in Iraq. However, the domi nating factor controlling social customs in Iraq and Iran is the same-Shi5ah Islam. This influence in Iran is intensified by the large proportion of Moslems (ninety per. cent of the population) and the predominance of Shi5ah Islam. But the fact that several of the shrine centres of Shi’ah Islam are in Iraq contributes to its strength in that country. As religious superstitions play a large part in determining health customs, there is a great similarity in the health attitudes of the masses in these two countries. The high percentage of illiteracy, the absence of a socially awakened public conscience, and, until recently, the general Govern ment attitude of laissez-faire-these common factors have kept health standards of both countries at a very low level.
