TEHRAN – A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Pasteur Institute of Iran and Russia to enhance joint research cooperation.

Rahim Sarvari and Areg Totolian, the presidents of the Pasteur Institute of the two countries, inked the MOU at the Pasteur Institute in St. Petersburg on September 29.

By signing this memorandum, it is planned to develop research projects focusing on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and focusing on zoonotic diseases, gastrointestinal infections, hepatitis and HIV, microbial resistance, and COVID-19.

The parties also expressed their desire to implement joint educational programs and improve their educational and research systems based on international standards; These joint programs can lead to further strengthening of the abilities of both sides and help to realize joint scientific and educational missions.

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global challenges and the possibility of these threats continuing in the future, the officials agreed to exchange the experiences gained in order to create greater capacities for the diagnosis, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, including the production of vaccines and share diagnostic kits with each other.

Earlier in September, Health Minister Bahram Einoullahi said that Iran has one of the strongest health systems in the region and this opportunity should be used optimally in the field of health diplomacy.

One of the successful aspects of health diplomacy in the region is this cooperation, he said, adding, "We are looking to implement this program in the region as in European countries to facilitate the exchange of students and professors, and to facilitate their participation in international conferences."

In June 2021, Ahmed al-Mandhari, the World Health Organization director for Eastern Mediterranean Region, said the Islamic Republic of Iran is a role model for primary health care.

For the past four decades, its PHC network has aimed to ensure that people have timely access to affordable, accessible, and acceptable essential health services, he explained.

---------Health development

Based on innovative indicators of health technology development in 2021, Iran was ranked 60th among 132 countries, which shows an improvement of 60 steps compared to 2014, the deputy health minister for research and technology, has announced.

A total of 1,670 knowledge-based firms are operating in the health sector, ISNA quoted Younes Panahi as saying.

He added that there are 13 science and technology parks and 95 technology growth centers in the field of health, while 343 technological products have so far been licensed, and 335 inventions in medical sciences have been patented.

The health technology development is evaluated by the Global Innovation Index with seven indicators, including institutional structure, human capital and research, infrastructure, market and business complexity, technological knowledge, and creativity, he explained.

FB/MG