TEHRAN – Recognizing the heavy burden placed on Iran’s health system by Afghan refugees, World Health Organization Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO), has announced that despite the organisation’s limited budget, it is ready to support the country.
Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Iran’s measures in the health sector and the country’s efforts to provide health services to refugees, and reported that it highlighted Iran’s performance in the primary healthcare system as a role model for the region.
Officials, together with Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi, spoke at a meeting held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA).
Zafarqandi explained on his part in detail the country’s health indicators. With reference to more than 4.5 million refugees living in Iran, the official highlighted the importance of supporting cooperation with the WHO.
The Iranian delegation led by Zafarkandi is taking part in the 78th WHA, which is being held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19th to June 27th.
Focusing on the 2025 theme “World for One Health,” WHA78 has brought together representatives of high-level countries to address health challenges. This year’s gathering will be a crucial moment for global health as member countries face major changes in landscapes for global health and international development.
This year’s theme highlights the World Health Organization’s (WHO) enduring commitment to solidarity and equity, and emphasizes that even in unprecedented times, there should be an equal opportunity for everyone to lead healthy lives everywhere.
During the meeting, participants discussed and reflected on current and future priorities and challenges facing global health in accordance with the relevant documents, and as Member States declared ideas for each document, the IRNA cited Alireza Biglari, an employee of the Ministry of Health.
Zafarqandi is releasing a statement on 35 specific documents related to the country’s health system. These include 29 documents on general health activities, six focusing on activities in different sectors and international cooperation, officials noted.
Additionally, other topics raised by the expert committee, including budget and financial issues, membership status in member countries, audits, and issues raised during WHO executive committee sessions.
In the 78th WHA, a total of 56 topics will be discussed in document form, Biglari said.
In WHA’s side job, the Health Minister will be holding a meeting with counterparts from the hood directors of Switzerland, Italy, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, India, Cuba and the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO).
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