Widad Akrawi

Kurdish-Danish physician advancing global health diplomacy and human rights

Dr. Widad Akrawi, born in Kurdish Iraq, combines medical expertise with peace activism. Her Conflict Medicine framework helps treat war victims while documenting human rights violations. As founder of Defend International, she pioneered "health-based diplomacy" in conflict zones.

After surviving Saddam Hussein's chemical attacks, she developed medical protocols for chemical warfare victims. Her 2010 Nobel Peace Prize nomination recognized efforts in Middle Eastern reconciliation.

Now based in Denmark, she advises WHO and UN on Health as a Bridge for Peace programs. Her "Do No Harm Plus" initiative trains doctors to prevent conflict escalation through ethical medical practices, impacting over 40 countries.