The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is making its first foray into Iraq, helping to fund a new initiative to relocate more than 150 Iraqi scholars who are facing persecution.

In a departure from its usual focus on health and development projects, the foundation will provide $5m (£2.5m) for fellowships to Iraqi scholars trying to continue their work at institutions in other countries, notably Jordan. The US Congress has also approved $5m to rescue Iraqi scholars.