At the invitation of the Iraqi Medical Association in the United Kingdom and the European Union, Professor Dr. Ahmed Naseh Ahmed Hamdan—a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Basrah’s College of Engineering—participated in the Iraqi Medical Conference held in London. The conference proceedings took place from October 31 to November 1.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Iraqi Consul, Dr. Qusay Al-Ahmed, and the conference was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammed Al-Sudani, a consultant surgeon in England.

During the second session on the first day, Professor Dr. Ahmed Naseh addressed the impact of water scarcity on the increase and concentration of pollutants in Iraq’s rivers, and the subsequent consequences for public health. His lecture covered exposure to both direct and indirect pathogens, as well as chemical toxins in the water—a result of water scarcity and the reduced dilution of pollutants. Specific issues discussed included high salinity levels, nitrates, organophosphate pesticides (originating from agricultural drainage), heavy metals, and the discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers, along with the diseases these factors cause. He also examined the capabilities—and limitations—of conventional treatment plants and reverse osmosis systems in removing various types of contaminants. Previous research—conducted by the speaker and other Iraqi researchers—was presented, examining water quality in various Iraqi rivers over the years. The discussion highlighted the changing conditions of these rivers, particularly the Shatt al-Arab, where rising salinity levels have coincided with water scarcity. The 2018 summer crisis in Basra was presented as a case study, illustrating how water shortages and increased pollutant concentrations led to acute poisoning among thousands of the city's residents. A comparison was also drawn between acute poisoning—which occurs suddenly and impacts public health—and chronic poisoning, which results from long-term exposure to toxins and the subsequent accumulation of these substances in the human body, leading to various diseases. The audience praised the valuable lecture, especially following the discussion session and the speaker’s responses to questions from the attendees.