TEHRAN – The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has supported the delivery of 564,000 doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) for the prevention of pneumococcal-related infections and deaths among children in Iran.

The measure has been adopted in support of the introduction of PCV in the national childhood immunization program in the country, the UNICEF website reported on March 17.

The consignment is the first shipment of PCV to the country, using Iran's financial resources left over from the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, and delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran, through UNICEF procurement services. The shipment arrived from India and landed at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport on Sunday, March 17.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Education intends to introduce two new vaccines into the national childhood immunization program namely, PCV and Rotavirus vaccine. UNICEF will support the Ministry of Health throughout the introduction and delivery phases of these two new vaccines targeting pneumonia and diarrhea among children, the two infections that cause substantial childhood illness and deaths. 

UNICEF Representative in Iran, Dr. Robin Nandy said: “This is an important first step in the introduction of two essential vaccines that were missing from the immunization schedule and will address childhood pneumonia and diarrhea, the two most important illnesses we see in children. UNICEF is pleased to play a role in the introduction of these vaccines along with key partners like WHO and the Gavi Secretariat”.

On January 27, the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an innovation ecosystem for children and adolescents in the country.

The MOU was signed by Amir-Hossein Mirabadi, an official with the Vice Presidency, and Robin Nandy, the representative of UNICEF in Iran, IRNA reported.

Moreover, UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education has provided eight prefabricated healthcare rooms to address health challenges in quake-hit villages in Khoy County.

The main objective is to provide uninterrupted primary medical care for the affected children and their families, according to a press release by the UNICEF website on January 23.

MG