Meet Bako M. – Iraq

My name is Bako, and I was born and raised in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. I was born with generalized ichthyosis affecting my entire body. Growing up with this condition in an area lacking health insurance, specialized dermatological care, and vital medical resources was an immense challenge. Yet, my family did everything humanly possible to support and care for me. Four years later, my younger brother was born with the exact same condition, doubling our household’s daily battle—and our resilience.

Despite the severe hurdles—made heavier by our region’s extremely hot and dry climate, which constantly exacerbates our skin—we refused to let Ichthyosis define our boundaries. We consistently managed our daily topical regimens, pushed forward with our education, and never gave up. My brother is now in his final year of school with ambitious dreams, and I am in my final year studying as a Pharmacy Assistant.

Living through daily topical treatments sparked my deep passion for medicine and science. Beyond the pharmacology of therapies, I have dedicated myself to studying psychology, social dynamics, and patient well-being, constantly reading and writing about scientific and psychological topics. Ichthyosis taught me that healing requires addressing both the physical symptoms and the mental resilience of the patient.

My ultimate aspiration is to pursue advanced studies internationally, expanding my scientific knowledge and research capabilities so that I can serve humanity on a broader scale. I want to be a voice of hope, scientific progress, and advocacy for everyone living with rare skin conditions in the Middle East and worldwide.

Connect with Bako:

• Email: bakobakhtyarmajeed@gmail.com
• Instagram: bako.baxtyar.904
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bako-bakhtyar-majeed-5b855b425/