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Many people also generally imagine the work of international NGOs like MSF, in Iraq and throughout the region, being done by foreigners, which sometimes raises suspicion. Suhaibs colleague Yasmine Mohammed, who works as a watchwoman in the centre, explains that the acceptance of humanitarian organisations was not very high when they started working in Mosul after the battle to retake the city from Islamic State group.

It wasnt very favourable for Iraqis to work with organisations at first. The community did not welcome the idea of us working with foreigners, considering the events Iraq has witnessed for more than a decade, Yasmine says. But the perception changed when these organisations started providing much needed services; Mosul wouldnt have started recovering if it wasnt for that.

Over time, people coming in for services could also witness that, just like Yasmine or Suhaib, most of the organisations employees were actually Iraqis.

In fact, Iraqis make up for more than 90 per cent of the 1,700 people who work for MSF in Iraq. Their roles are diverse, from driver to doctor, from cleaner to biomedical technician, from pharmacist to supply officer, and many more.

Yet each persons role is considered vital for the functioning of the project. Everyone works very hard to accomplish their tasks, and these efforts form a butterfly effect that has a great impact when it comes to the bigger picture. Without the Iraqi staff, MSFs activities wouldnt come to life and stay alive.

For Yasmine, the contribution consists in searching female staff, patients, and visitors before they enter the facility, for the security of all. When doing so, she generally also asks them how theyre doing and welcomes them with great warmth. She loves her job because it gives her a chance to boost peoples morale, people who might be looking for positive energy every now and then.

More:
Humanitarians behind the scenes in Iraq - Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) International