Ministry of Culture Concludes Training Course on Mental Health

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities has concluded a specialised training course on mental health and suicide prevention, organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, on Monday 2 February 2026.

The course, entitled “Early Detection of Mental Disorders and Autism and Suicide Prevention”, was held at Ishtar Hall at the Ministry’s headquarters and was supervised by the Administrative and Financial Affairs Department, in coordination with the Training and Development Division and the Office of the National Mental Health Advisor at the Ministry of Health.

The closing session was attended by the Director General of the Administrative and Financial Affairs Department, Dr Ali Reda Al-Hammoud, alongside the National Mental Health Adviser at the Ministry of Health, Dr Adnan Yassin Mohammed, in addition to a number of specialists and professionals concerned with health and psychological affairs.

Several experts in the field of mental health delivered lectures throughout the course. Dr Alia Ahmed Aziz discussed the concept of mental health, types of addiction, the impact of drug abuse on individuals, as well as psychological stress and effective coping mechanisms. Dr Abdul Nasser Mahmoud Mohammed addressed family-related problems, methods of dealing with them and the issue of suicide in terms of its definition, causes and means of prevention. Meanwhile, Ms Haifa Salman Mohammed highlighted the effects of drug abuse, the associated psychological pressures and ways to mitigate their negative consequences.

In his remarks, Dr Al-Hammoud noted the recent rise in cases of autism spectrum disorder, stressing that the Ministry of Health has begun to give increasing attention to this issue. He also pointed out that psychological pressures (particularly those within the family environment) are among the leading causes of suicide in society.

For his part, Dr Adnan Yassin Mohammed expressed his appreciation for the organisation and cooperation shown by the Ministry of Culture, affirming that autism spectrum disorder is not an organic disease treatable by medication, but a behavioural condition that can be managed and its effects reduced through prevention and early detection. He further emphasised the importance of avoiding harmful practices prior to marriage and warned of the growing spread of drug abuse within Iraqi society, calling for enhanced awareness programmes in schools, universities, and across all social groups.

The course concluded with the distribution of certificates of participation to attendees, in recognition of their efforts and their commitment to developing their knowledge and professional capacities.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities