Tehran – Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) says Iran is the leading country that expands its health system and provides access to universal health insurance.
Celebrating the country’s achievements in recent years, Hanan Barki said expanding primary healthcare services, increasing access to health insurance in rural areas, maintaining high vaccination rates, and reducing mother and newborn mortality rates, Iran can become a successful role model in the region, the health ministry’s website reported.
Officials made a statement during a meeting with Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Parliament (WHA).
The country’s commitment to providing equal health services to millions of refugees further praises its services.
WHO EMRO is working closely with Iranian regulatory bodies to achieve level 3 of regulation maturity in its drug regulatory system, paving the way for wider exports of Iranian health-conscious products to the global market. It also contributes to promoting global health security, Balkhi added.
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.
In October 2024, Balkhi said he was interested in EMRO expanding its cooperation with Iran’s Islamic Republic.
Officials spoke at a meeting with bystanders of WHO EMRO’s 70th session in a meeting between Iran’s Deputy Health Minister Alileza Leisi and Deputy Health Minister for International Affairs Mohamad Hossain Niknam.
The delegation led by Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi took part in the 71st session of WHO EMRO in Doha, Qatar, from October 14th to 17th.
“During a brief visit to Iran several months ago, I became familiar with Iran’s capabilities in the health sector. Iran is a role model in the health of the region,” noted Barki.
“It is essential for us to take advantage of the full potential available in (regional) countries and we will not hesitate to support the implementation of our health program,” the official said.
Iran’s health system “The World’s Role Model”
In January, President Masoud Pezeshkian called the country’s health system a role model for the region, and even the world, thanks to its unique, particularly primary healthcare services.
The staff made their remarks in a letter addressing a national seminar held in Mashhad to honor medical staff, including nurses, the Ministry of Health website reported.
The president praised substantial advances in the health sector, saying these notable achievements are the result of the constant efforts of health workers, including providing vaccinations and prenatal care to pregnant mothers, promoting infectious diseases, promoting health education, sharing knowledge and training a new generation of medical staff across the country.
Significant increases in life expectancy, reduced infant mortality, control of infectious diseases, and reduced complications caused by chronic diseases are all due to the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers.
Pezeschkian also praised the ongoing health programs, including Universal Health Coverage and the Family Physician Program.
The president went on to say that the administration is aware of the boring efforts and services of all healthcare workers and is determined to leverage the valuable capabilities and possibilities of healthcare workers to promote the country’s healthcare system to a legitimate and valuable position.
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