Tehran – The Iranian Red Crescent Association (IRCS) and the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) discussed ways to expand cooperation in promoting support and health services, particularly rehabilitation services, in various states of the country.
At a meeting held on March 13th, Iran’s ICRC president Vincent Cassard emphasized the need to prevent disability and develop psychosocial support services in less privileged areas. These valuable actions can pave the way for further cooperation.
On her part, Razieh Alishvandi, director of international affairs at IRCS, highlighted the success of the partnership between the two organizations. In praise of the efforts of the ICRC in the country, the formula highlighted the importance of holding training courses on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the need to be familiar with the Red Cross movement.
The IRC has taken various steps to use the capabilities of its 270,000 personnel, relief workers and volunteers to serve people, she noted.
Cassard praised the IRCS for taking measures during Nowruz Holidays and announced preparations for the IRC to organize the Red Crescent of the World and assist the IRC in expanding healthcare, rehabilitation and humanitarian services in underprivileged regions.
******* Joint Secretariat for Rehabilitation Services
In February, the IRCS and ICRC agreed to establish a joint secretariat on Tehran’s rehabilitation services.
At a meeting in Tehran, in preparation for the first international conference on disability and rehabilitation, IRCS Head Pirhossein Kolivand said rehabilitation is an important part of universal health insurance.
“War and other accidents make rehabilitation services extremely necessary in the country. That’s why the association has begun providing rehabilitation services and manufacturing prostheses and braces. Currently, 200 rehabilitation centres are operating in Iran, and the conference will focus on the activities of these centres,” he added.
The conference should focus on the latest initiatives and strategies, policy decisions and macro planning in the rehabilitation sector. According to the IRCS website, Kolivand emphasized that promoting public awareness of rehabilitation is also essential.
Global solidarity must be prioritized to utilize artificial intelligence and new technologies in rehabilitation, promote synergies and participation among national societies, and to provide new product development and rehabilitation services.
“We look forward to expanding our international collaboration. Establishing a secretariat to follow up on issues is essential. We will do our best to support those in need of rehabilitation services,” Kolivand further said.
François Friedel, head of physical rehabilitation at ICRC, said, “The social and psychological aspects of rehabilitation are extremely important. Without a doubt, the establishment of a secretariat in Tehran will help address the issue and strengthen cooperation between society. The issue of rehabilitation is important to the International Committee of the Red Cross and is ready to work with the Iranian Red Crescent Association in this field.”
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