TEHRAN – The World Health Organization’s (WHO) director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) has announced WHO’s support for multi-country partnerships including subregional collaboration between the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighboring countries. 

“WHO would like to share the Islamic Republic of Iran’s valuable experiences in primary health care, family medicine, the local production of medical supplies, health insurance, and preventive health initiatives with other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond,” WHO website quoted Hanan Balkhi as saying.

The official made the remarks in a four-day visit to the provinces of Isfahan and Tehran, which took place from April 12 to 15, to assess the country’s healthcare system’s capabilities and progress.

During her first official visit, she met with officials and partners to discuss WHO’s work on the ground and how to strengthen collaborations and strategic initiatives to meet health needs.

The Regional Director’s visit began in the historic city of Isfahan, where she visited Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and met with Chancellor Dr Shahin Shirani, who also heads the Isfahan Academy of Medical Sciences.

She also met with faculty members of the university and other Ministry of Health and Medical Education officials.

“It’s impressive to see how a quality integrated medical education has played a role in improving health services in the country, leading to higher life expectancy, lower mortality rates, and wider vaccination coverage,” the WHO website quoted Balkhi as saying.

With over 800 research centers, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made great efforts to expand its research capacity.

Balkhi visited the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, one of 16 WHO collaborating centers in the country. The institute focuses on research, training, and patient rehabilitation in the area of cardiovascular diseases.

The country’s investment in evidence generation is building a knowledge base for the health workforce and strengthening health system resilience.

 Balkhi later met with Stefan Priesner, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, along with representatives of other UN agencies.

In focus were the critical role of multisectoral collaboration in improving health, and the long-term socioeconomic benefits of preventive health measures.

They considered how to improve advocacy for the critical work that the Islamic Republic of Iran does for the people of the country – including more than 5 million refugees and migrants.

Also under discussion were areas to prioritize for collaborative work among UN agencies.

In a meeting between Balkhi and Health Minister Bahram Einollahi and his deputies, Einollahi indicated that more than 96 percent of the population have health insurance.

He also said that the country is committed to reinforcing its primary healthcare network and family health program; strengthening prevention and health promotion, and locally producing more than 92 percent of essential medicines.

To build on such remarkable achievements, Balkhi reiterated WHO’s support to the Iranian health system, especially on primary health care to advance universal health coverage.

Meeting with Jamileh Alamolhoda, wife of the Iranian president, mental and psychological health were discussed as important aspects of public health alongside physical health.

WHO will continue to work with Member States for the holistic health and well-being of their people.

Moreover, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Balkhi to discuss issues related to health and diplomacy to reduce the burden of disease and create safer communities.

Among the topics discussed were the impact of sanctions on public health; cross-border transmission of infectious diseases, a challenge to which the influx of refugees has contributed; and implementation of health measures during annual mass gatherings, for which the Islamic Republic of Iran is keen to strengthen collaborations with the WHO to find and implement suitable solutions.

“In addition to our continued technical support to the country’s health system, we are ready to expand collaborations for the regional priorities, which include equitable access to medical supplies, empowering the health workforce, and tackling substance use,” said Balkhi.

Balkhi’s visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the mutual commitment to address complex health challenges and to build bridges between countries for the well-being of populations, especially during these challenging times when the Region is facing multiple emergencies and conflicts.

Expanding co-op with WHO EMRO

In February, Einollahi announced the country’s readiness to foster cooperation with the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.

On the sidelines of the international conference on quality and safety in healthcare in Doha which was held from February 21 – 25, Einollahi held a meeting with Balkhi, the health ministry’s website reported.

During the meeting, Balkhi lauded the health ministry for remarkable achievements and commendable progress.

She went on to say, “I am trying to focus on three issues in the Eastern Mediterranean region: empowering human resources in the field of health, improving self-sufficiency in the production of medicine and medical equipment, and fighting against narcotics and treating addicts.”

She further noted that it's essential to hold talks with the member states to solve the problems of the Eastern Mediterranean region.

In the end, she expressed hope to travel to Iran to learn more about the implementation of the Family Physician Program in Iran.

Einollahi, for his part, referred to the country’s achievements in the field of the health system, saying, “The Family Physician Program is a preventive health program that is being implemented in 195 cities of the country.”

MT/MG