Ishtar TV / Ishtartv.com – Special Report

DETROIT – The story of American physician and researcher of Iraqi Chaldean heritage, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, is an inspiring example of professional courage and humanitarian commitment. Through her scientific work and determination, she helped protect thousands of children in the United States from serious health risks, becoming one of the most influential figures in the field of public health.

Her Roots and Academic Journey

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha was born in Sheffield, England, in 1976, to Iraqi parents of Chaldean heritage who had left their homeland after opposing the former regime.

She grew up in Michigan, where she pursued her higher education. She earned a bachelor's degree, a Master of Public Health, and a medical degree from Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. She subsequently dedicated her career to improving children's health and protecting future generations.

The Flint Water Crisis (2015): The Courage to Reveal the Truth

Dr. Mona came to international prominence in 2015, when she played a pivotal role in exposing the lead contamination crisis in the drinking water of Flint, Michigan.

Through the analysis of medical records and blood lead levels among infants and young children, her research demonstrated a significant increase in children's exposure to lead following the city's switch in water sources as part of cost-cutting measures.

At the time, Dr. Hanna-Attisha faced substantial institutional and government pressure, as well as widespread attempts to challenge her findings. Nevertheless, she stood by the scientific evidence and insisted on making the results public to protect children's health.

Her research helped bring national attention to the crisis and contributed to the authorities' response, including the declaration of a state of emergency, the return to a safer water source and efforts to replace lead-contaminated service lines.

Her account of the crisis and the struggle to expose the truth was documented in her acclaimed book, What the Eyes Don't See.

International Recognition and Major Achievements

Dr. Hanna-Attisha holds prominent academic and leadership roles, including serving as a professor and director of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative at Michigan State University and Hurley Medical Center.

Her work has earned her significant international recognition, including:

• TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2016, in recognition of her courage and role in exposing the Flint water crisis.

• TIME's 2026 recognition, in its list of the 100 most influential people in health.

• Numerous other awards and honours recognising her contributions to public policy, children's rights and public health.

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Tackling Poverty at Its Roots: The Rx Kids Programme

Dr. Hanna-Attisha's work extends beyond medical treatment to address the economic and social conditions that affect health.

She launched Rx Kids, an innovative programme providing direct financial assistance to pregnant women and families with infants. The initiative aims to support healthier beginnings for children, strengthen family stability and tackle child poverty during the earliest stages of life.

Through her scientific achievements and humanitarian work, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha continues to make a significant contribution to public health while bringing recognition to her Iraqi Chaldean heritage on the international stage.