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Story
27 June 2024
UNODC World Drug Report 2024: Harms of world drug problem continue to mount amid expansions in drug use and markets
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Speech
26 June 2024
UN Secretary General Message on the Occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
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Speech
26 June 2024
UNODC Executive Director’s Message International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Islamic Republic of Iran
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Iran:
Publication
07 February 2023
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for I.R.Iran 2023 - 2027
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2027 was developed jointly between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Nations System to reflect and support the national development goals and strategies. Starting in 2021, the United Nations Country Team in Iran engaged in consultations internally and with a wide range of national partners that identified the evidence base to prioritize development needs and opportunities for the UNSDCF. These consultations resulted in the vision for United Nations support to Iran’s development that is based on equitable, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth and development. Five strategic priorities that guide the work of the United Nations System in Iran in the coming years were identified: (a) socio-economic resilience; (b) public health; (c) environment; (d) disaster risk reduction and management; and (e) impacts of drug use and drug trafficking.
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Publication
23 January 2023
United Nations Iran Country Results Report - 2021
This report lays out the UN’s collective contribution to Iran’s development and humanitarian goals, including under the current United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2017-2022).
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Publication
30 August 2021
UN Iran Country Results Report 2020
The UN Iran Country Results Report on behalf of the United Nations Country Team in the Islamic Republic of Iran, illustrates how, in 2020 the UN collectively supported Iran in achieving its national development and humanitarian goals. This support is provided as part of the United Nations Development Assistant Framework (UNDAF), a strategic and programmatic framework of cooperation between the UN and the Islamic Republic of Iran, currently in its fourth year (2017-2022).
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Publication
28 October 2020
UN Iran Country Results Report 2019
The UN Iran Country Results Report 2019 is prepared in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 67/226 on the Quadrennial
Comprehensive Policy Review and Resolution 72/729 on repositioning of the UN Development System. It illustrates the collective results achieved
by the United Nations System in Iran during the course of 2019 in addressing the country’s national development and humanitarian priorities, alongside
national and international partners. This support is provided under the chapeau of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)
2017-2021, which is a strategic and programmatic framework of cooperation between the United Nations and the Islamic Republic of Iran, with
priorities identified in line with the Government of Iran’s 6th Five-Year Economic, Cultural and Social Development Plan 2017-2021. The United Nations
humanitarian agencies operate outside the UNDAF based on their respective frameworks i.e. the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR)
for UNHCR, the Interim Country Strategic Plan (ICPS) for WFP, and IOM activities being guided by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the
Government of Iran.
Comprehensive Policy Review and Resolution 72/729 on repositioning of the UN Development System. It illustrates the collective results achieved
by the United Nations System in Iran during the course of 2019 in addressing the country’s national development and humanitarian priorities, alongside
national and international partners. This support is provided under the chapeau of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)
2017-2021, which is a strategic and programmatic framework of cooperation between the United Nations and the Islamic Republic of Iran, with
priorities identified in line with the Government of Iran’s 6th Five-Year Economic, Cultural and Social Development Plan 2017-2021. The United Nations
humanitarian agencies operate outside the UNDAF based on their respective frameworks i.e. the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR)
for UNHCR, the Interim Country Strategic Plan (ICPS) for WFP, and IOM activities being guided by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the
Government of Iran.
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Story
27 June 2024
UNODC World Drug Report 2024: Harms of world drug problem continue to mount amid expansions in drug use and markets
The emergence of new synthetic opioids and a record supply and demand of other drugs has compounded the impacts of the world drug problem, leading to a rise in drug use disorders and environmental harms, according to the World Drug Report 2024 launched by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) today.“Drug production, trafficking, and use continue to exacerbate instability and inequality, while causing untold harm to people’s health, safety and well-being,” said Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC. “We need to provide evidence-based treatment and support to all people affected by drug use, while targeting the illicit drug market and investing much more in prevention.”The number of people who use drugs has risen to 292 million in 2022, a 20 per cent increase over 10 years. Cannabis remains the most widely used drug worldwide (228 million users), followed by opioids (60 million users), amphetamines (30 million users), cocaine (23 million users), and ecstasy (20 million users).Nitazenes – a group of synthetic opioids which can be even more potent than fentanyl – have recently emerged in several high-income countries, resulting in an increase in overdose deaths. Though an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, only one in 11 is in treatment. Women receive less access to treatment than men, with only one in 18 women with drug use disorders in treatment versus one in seven men.In 2022, an estimated 7 million people were in formal contact with the police (arrests, cautions, warnings) for drug offences, with about two-thirds of this total due to drug use or possession for use. In addition, 2.7 million people were prosecuted for drug offences and over 1.6 million were convicted globally in 2022, though there are significant differences across regions regarding the criminal justice response to drug offences.The Report includes special chapters on the impact of the opium ban in Afghanistan; synthetic drugs and gender; the impacts of cannabis legalization and the psychedelic “renaissance”; the right to health in relation to drug use; and how drug trafficking in the Golden Triangle is linked with other illicit activities and their impacts. Drug trafficking is empowering organized crime groupsDrug traffickers in the Golden Triangle are diversifying into other illegal economies, notably wildlife trafficking, financial fraud, and illegal resource extraction. Displaced, poor, and migrant communities are suffering the consequences of this instability, sometimes forced to turn to opium farming or illegal resource extraction to survive, falling into debt entrapment with crime groups, or using drugs themselves.These illicit activities are also contributing to environmental degradation through deforestation, the dumping of toxic waste, and chemical contamination.Consequences of cocaine surgeA new record high of 2,757 tons of cocaine was produced in 2022, a 20 per cent increase over 2021. Global cultivation of coca bush, meanwhile, rose 12 per cent between 2021 and 2022 to 355,000 hectares. The prolonged surge in cocaine supply and demand has coincided with a rise in violence in states along the supply chain, notably in Ecuador and Caribbean countries, and an increase in health harms in countries of destination, including in Western and Central Europe.Impact of cannabis legalizationAs of January 2024, Canada, Uruguay, and 27 jurisdictions in the United States had legalized the production and sale of cannabis for non-medical use, while a variety of legislative approaches have emerged elsewhere in the world.In these jurisdictions in the Americas, the process appears to have accelerated harmful use of the drug and led to a diversification in cannabis products, many with high-THC content. Hospitalizations related to cannabis use disorders and the proportion of people with psychiatric disorders and attempted suicide associated with regular cannabis use have increased in Canada and the United States, especially among young adults.Psychedelic “renaissance” encourages broad access to psychedelicsThough interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances has continued to grow in the treatment of some mental health disorders, clinical research has not yet resulted in any scientific standard guidelines for medical use.However, within the broader “psychedelic renaissance”, popular movements are contributing to burgeoning commercial interest and to the creation of an enabling environment that encourages broad access to the unsupervised, “quasi-therapeutic” and non-medical use of psychedelics. Such movements have the potential to outpace the scientific therapeutic evidence and the development of guidelines for medical use of psychedelics, potentially compromising public health goals and increasing the health risks associated with the unsupervised use of psychedelics.Implications of opium ban in AfghanistanFollowing the drastic decrease of Afghanistan’s opium production in 2023 (by 95 per cent from 2022) and an increase in production in Myanmar (by 36 per cent), global opium production fell by 74 per cent in 2023. The dramatic contraction of the Afghan opiate market made Afghan farmers poorer and a few traffickers richer. Long-term implications, including on heroin purity, a switch to other opioids by heroin users, and/or a rise in demand for opiate treatment services may soon be felt in countries of transit and destination of Afghan opiates.Right to health for people who use drugsThe report outlines how the right to health is an internationally recognized human right that belongs to all human beings, regardless of a person’s drug use status or whether a person is imprisoned, detained or incarcerated. It applies equally to people who use drugs, their children and families, and other people in their communities.* *** *For further information, please visit:World Drug Report 2024 homepage
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Story
24 June 2024
UN-Habitat Partners with Iran to Improve the Resilience of Hospitals and Urban Critical Facilities Against Natural Disasters
UN-Habitat has been actively involved in assisting the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop comprehensive Risk Reduction Plans and implement vulnerability reduction activities. During the 2017, M7.2 earthquake in Kermanshah, west of Iran, several hospitals and healthcare facilities suffered severe damage, resulting in their malfunction during crisis, when most needed. This was also observed during previous natural disasters in the country, e.g. Bam, 2003 and Manjil, 1990 earthquakes as well as recent floods. Failure of the hospitals and healthcare facilities in crises increased the number of casualties as injured people were treated in tents and had to be transferred to farther centers to receive advanced medical treatments. In response to recuring damage to healthcare facilities during natural disasters and in a concerted effort to bolster the country's medical facilities against the ravages of natural hazards, UN-Habitat, in partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and supported by the Government of Japan, launched the Project "Emergency Support for Safer Hospitals and Settlements" project in 2021.The Project was implemented in cooperation with the Executive Organization for Government and Public Buildings and Infrastructure (EOGPBI) and the Roads, Housing and Urban Development Research Center (BHRC), under the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development. It also involved a steering committee with members from various governmental organizations. A comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) approach was employed for this purpose to I) identify the vulnerabilities and risk of target healthcare facilities and II) take the required actions for treating the identified challenges. Various elements required for an integrated earthquake DRRM in Hospitals were developed and implemented within the pilot activities.A comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) approach was employed for this purpose to I) identify the vulnerabilities and risk of target healthcare facilities and II) take the required actions for treating the identified challenges. Various elements required for an integrated earthquake DRRM in Hospitals were developed and implemented within the pilot activities. Several consulting engineering companies from private sector implemented the studies on 11 large hospitals in the country under the technical supervision of a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of UN-Habitat, experienced university professors, and representatives from the IPs, impacting around 380,000 square meters of health facilities and covering over 4,000 hospital beds nationwide, with an appropriate distribution all over the country. The Project was designed so that a broad range of community groups including elderly, people with disability, women and children can benefit from the project results as the beneficiaries of the hospitals. The initiative also facilitated fostering the skill and knowledge for retrofitting vulnerable hospitals by constructing model retrofits in key locations. A broad spectrum of engineers and site technicians from consulting companies and contractors were involved in the activities to provide retrofitting samples in two large hospitals. During the construction of role models, 110 vulnerable points in the piping system were retrofitted by 236 flexible joint pieces. The activity also included improving 85 vulnerable infill walls and improving the support of mechanical system using 267 prefabricated modular support frames. These all were supported with a strong technical supervision of TWG who together with UN-Habitat developed the required guidelines and technical instructions in the field of the Project, trained the experts, developed software system for the Disaster Risk Management of hospitals and involved in the 2nd international Conference of Hospitals and Urban Critical Facilities held by UN-Habitat in Iran. Development of a national guideline approved and published by PBO, issuing technical order-notes by EOGPBI to all the consulting companies and contractors of hospitals in the country to follow the achievements of the Project in other hospital projects nation-wide, as well as a multi-stakeholder approach for implementing the Project can ensure the sustainability of the Project achievements after ending and upscaling the results to other activities and projects.By leveraging the technical and engineering capacities and incorporating international experiences the Project received commendation from the government, academia, and the private sector for its contributions to strengthening Iran's healthcare system against natural disasters. In this regard Ali Sobati, the general manager of engineering affairs and new technologies of the EOPGBI said: “Based on the Project’s results, we have considered methodological changes both in design, implementation and use of innovative technologies in the field of Hospital constructions”.Also, Professor A. Aghakouchak, a university faculty states: “The BEHTAB Phase-II project, which was carried out in cooperation with UN-Habitat, is a very valuable project related to hospitals in the country. In this plan, a large group of academic professors cooperated in technical guidance as well as the main consultants of the country, which will certainly improve technical knowledge and experience in the country, and in the future, its results will be used in the modification of the regulations and methods of analysis and design of hospitals.”
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Story
24 June 2024
UNODC Supports Iran’s Efforts to Enhance Drug Treatment Services
In a step towards addressing drug use disorders significant progress has been made in establishing widespread services for the treatment of drug use disorders over the past two decades in Iran. Recognizing the need to further improve and bridge the gap between the medication-centered and the psychological and psychosocial interventions in drug treatment, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iran has taken proactive measures to address this problem in close cooperation with the national partners.A crucial step in this endeavor was the recent organization of a comprehensive training workshop on “Assessment and Drug Use Disorders Treatment Counselling” in Tehran from 9th to 12th June 2024. This workshop, conducted in close collaboration with the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), aimed to utilize the invaluable resources of the TreatNet package, developed by the UNODC. The workshop covered essential aspects of drug dependence treatment, providing insights into evidence-based practices and equipping participants with the necessary skills for effective counselling in the context of drug use disorders. The capacity and knowledge of the participants; counsellors and treatment professionals of the MoHME and the State Welfare Organization in Tehran and Alborz provinces, on the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) screening and brief intervention basic counselling skills for the treatment of drug use dependence and basic principles of motivational interviewing were increased through a hands-on training workshop.Dr. Majid Ghorbani, the Director General of the Treatment and Social Support Office of the DCHQ, emphasized the workshop’s alignment with Iran’s national approach and roadmap to drug treatment. He highlighted the goal of integrating non-pharmacological approaches, based on scientific evidence, with pharmacological treatments to develop more comprehensive and effective treatment plans. Dr. Ghorbani emphasized the importance of experts’ knowledge and expertise in drug treatment, especially in counselling and understanding evidence-based approaches to motivate and retain clients. He acknowledged the intensified efforts supported by UNODC Iran in achieving this goal.Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, expressed his appreciation for the Iranian government’s dedicated efforts in combating drug use disorders. He assured that UNODC Iran, as the leading UN agency in the country’s drug control initiatives, remains committed to assisting service providers and individuals affected by illicit drugs, regardless of the circumstances. This commitment is upheld through the agency’s assistance under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iran and its Country Partnership Programme.The collaborative partnership between UNODC Iran and its national stakeholders holds great promise for advancing Iran’s drug treatment initiatives and better responding to the challenges posed by drug use disorders. By combining international expertise with local knowledge, this joint effort aims to enhance the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of drug treatment services in Iran. This collaboration owes its success to the generous funding by the Netherlands, enabling the realization of shared objectives and the advancement of impactful initiatives.
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Story
11 June 2024
UN-Habitat Project Strengthens Iranian Hospitals Against Natural Disasters
The recent Closing Ceremony of the UN-Habitat Project "Emergency Support for Safer Hospitals and Settlements (BEHTAB phase-II)" at the Iranian National Library on 15 May was a major milestone. This project, led by the UN-Habitat Tehran Office and funded by the Government of Japan, concluded in successfully enhancing the resilience of Iranian hospitals against natural disasters through a collaborative effort with the Iranian Executive Organization for Public and Government Buildings and Infrastructure (EOPGBI). The event brought together key stakeholders, including the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran, Mr. Stefan Priesner; Deputy Minister, Ali Nabian; Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Tamaki Tsukada; Director General, Gholamhossein Darzi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Advisor to the Minister and Secretary of the National Habitat Committee, Mr. Arman Khorsand, and other participants in the project.The project, also known as BEHTAB Phase-II, focused on evaluating, designing, and implementing retrofitting measures in hospitals throughout Iran. This initiative aimed to assist the Iranian government in mitigating seismic risks associated with public buildings and bolstering their capacity to withstand future earthquakes.The BEHTAB phase-II project aligns with the UN's commitment to reducing disaster risks as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The project achieved significant milestones, including seismic vulnerability assessment and retrofitting design for 11 hospitals with 4000 beds and 380,000 square meters and constructing retrofit role models of the non-structural components in two selected hospitals within these facilities. Additionally, the project fostered institutional and personnel capacity development for long-term project sustainability.“We have witnessed the successful implementation of two major projects in Sari and Bushehr and look forward to commencing the BEHTAB Phase-III." Said Mr.Nabian who is also CEO of EOPGBI. Expressing his gratitude for the successful partnership. Priesner stated that the" BEHTAB phase-II project, initiated in 2021 with generous financial support from the Government and people of Japan, and with the partnership and cooperation of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was successfully implemented. It has yielded notable outcomes, a source of pride today."The BEHTAB Phase-II project in Iran has made significant strides in developing foundations for making healthcare facilities more resilient to earthquakes and other natural disasters. By assessing vulnerabilities and implementing retrofitting measures in selected hospitals, the project provides instructions for improving the facilities to ensure that these critical facilities remain operational during times of crisis. This effort together with the development of national guidelines and knowledge sharing with stakeholders and expert communities, not only enhances the safety and capacity of healthcare infrastructure but also strengthens disaster preparedness across the country, benefiting local communities by improving emergency response and overall resilience with a shared commitment to building resilient communities.The UN extends heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders involved in successfully implementing the BEHTAB phase-II project. This project underscores a collective dedication to safeguarding communities and the planet by emphasizing the importance of building resilience in the face of natural disasters and climate change challenges.
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Story
08 June 2024
UN Secretary-General's Message on the Occasion of UN World Oceans Day 2024
But our ocean is in trouble. And we only have ourselves to blame. Climate change is triggering rising seas and threatening the very existence of small island developing states and coastal populations. Record sea temperatures are sparking extreme weather events that affect us all. Ocean acidification is destroying coral reefs, breaking a vital link in food chains and threatening tourism and local economies. And unsustainable coastal development, overfishing, deep-sea mining, unchecked pollution and plastic waste are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems across the globe. Yet there are glimmers of hope. Last year, the UN General Assembly adopted the historic Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction — the most significant new treaty on ocean governance in decades. The process underway to develop a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution provides another opportunity to advance our shared goal of protecting our ocean. The recent opinion by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is another breakthrough, calling on nations to take measures to reduce, control and prevent marine pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions. This year’s Summit of the Future and next year’s UN Oceans Conference in France are further opportunities to commit to action that can restore and protect our precious marine and coastal ecosystems.Now is the time for governments, businesses, investors, scientists and communities to come together in defense of our ocean.On World Oceans Day, let’s heed this year’s theme, and awaken new depths of action for our ocean.
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Press Release
10 June 2024
The World Food Programme receives €1.5 million contribution from the EU to support refugees in Iran
WFP has been committed to providing essential assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide. This partnership with the EU marks a crucial step in enhancing the living conditions of refugees in Iran. The funds will enable WFP to provide refugees with cash assistance, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to meet their basic needs."We are incredibly grateful to the European Union for their continued support and generosity," said WFP Representative in Iran a.i Maysaa Alghribawy. "This contribution will have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of refugees, providing them with the dignity and autonomy to make choices that best suit their needs."The cash-based transfer programme is designed to empower refugees by giving them the flexibility to buy food and other essential items according to their individual preferences. This approach supports both refugee communities and local markets, especially local producers and small enterprises.The contribution from the EU is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises. By joining forces, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by displacement and ensure that no one is left behind.WFP and EU remain steadfast in their commitment to providing life-saving assistance and support to the most vulnerable refugees. This contribution underscores the shared dedication to humanitarian principles and the pursuit of a world with Zero Hunger. # # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfpiran
For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
Dara Darbandi, WFP/ Iran, Mob. +98 912 308 4147
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfpiran
For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
Dara Darbandi, WFP/ Iran, Mob. +98 912 308 4147
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Press Release
28 December 2023
Safeguarding biodiversity: FAO, Iran success in securing Bactrian Camels future
In the pursuit of preserving the Bactrian camel, a species listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN, FAO initiated a project two years ago to provide technical support for preservation of Bactrian camel through enhancing both in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Various training courses empowered camel owners, experts, veterinarians and scientists.
“Simultaneously, enhancing the livelihoods of local herders, capacity building, and raising awareness among society and policymakers play a crucial role in the sustainability of such projects. Our commitment to protect this valuable species has been realized in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agricultural Jahad,” GC stated.
Referring to the challenges faced during the implementation phase, he mentioned main achievements of the project including, the establishment of the first germplasm hub for Bactrian camels in Iran at the Jafar Abad station, capacity-building programs for government experts and camel herders through national and international training programs, empowering the newly established cooperative company by procuring feeding equipment as well as facilitating a wool processing workshop.
Moreover, he pointed out some other achievements such as microchipping of Bactrian camels, providing nutritional supplements, vaccines, and medicines coupled with the customization of the Sareban Yar application for performance recording.
“We have embraced advanced reproductive technologies, such as the cryopreservation of genetic materials from Bactrian camels. In a groundbreaking initiative, we have also attempted embryo transfer,” he further highlighted.
He expressed trust that the government will continue its efforts to conserve this valuable species, building on the work which has been modelled jointly by FAO in this project.
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Press Release
26 December 2023
WHO, Iran’s health ministry advance environmental and social standards in the Iranian public health sector under World Bank collaboration
This huge achievement is part of the Iran COVID-19 Emergency Response Project – Additional Financing (ICERP-AF), a joint venture by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, World Bank and WHO. Initiated in January 2022 with a €76.1 million loan agreement, the project seeks to improve access to life-saving medical equipment and services across the country.
Facilities were classified as green (compliant), yellow (tolerable), brown (conditional) or red (rejected) based on their compliance with the defined standards. Following the assessments, significant improvements were made in areas such as buildings, patient safety, radiation protection, social aspects, staff health, supervisory mechanisms, safety of workplace, and waste management.
The ICERP-AF Stakeholder Engagement Plan, a key component of the project, achieved another major milestone by defining an approach to consultation, information disclosure and grievance redress that is culturally and technically appropriate. This approach actively engages relevant stakeholders, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and facilitating decision-making. Stakeholders can voice opinions and concerns by calling a dedicated 24/7 hotline at 190(8) or by emailing: icerp@behdasht.gov.ir
Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran, said: “This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to elevating environmental and social standards in Iran's public health sector. The positive outcomes achieved through ICERP-AF will contribute to a safer and more resilient health infrastructure, benefiting both health care providers and the communities they serve.”
Under ICERP-AF, WHO has played a pivotal role in advancing the status of environmental and occupational health and patient safety in designated hospitals and laboratories across Iran. To achieve this, WHO has worked with the Economic Coordination Center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The joint effort is a significant step towards building a more robust and sustainable health system in the country.
Facilities were classified as green (compliant), yellow (tolerable), brown (conditional) or red (rejected) based on their compliance with the defined standards. Following the assessments, significant improvements were made in areas such as buildings, patient safety, radiation protection, social aspects, staff health, supervisory mechanisms, safety of workplace, and waste management.
The ICERP-AF Stakeholder Engagement Plan, a key component of the project, achieved another major milestone by defining an approach to consultation, information disclosure and grievance redress that is culturally and technically appropriate. This approach actively engages relevant stakeholders, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and facilitating decision-making. Stakeholders can voice opinions and concerns by calling a dedicated 24/7 hotline at 190(8) or by emailing: icerp@behdasht.gov.ir
Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran, said: “This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to elevating environmental and social standards in Iran's public health sector. The positive outcomes achieved through ICERP-AF will contribute to a safer and more resilient health infrastructure, benefiting both health care providers and the communities they serve.”
Under ICERP-AF, WHO has played a pivotal role in advancing the status of environmental and occupational health and patient safety in designated hospitals and laboratories across Iran. To achieve this, WHO has worked with the Economic Coordination Center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The joint effort is a significant step towards building a more robust and sustainable health system in the country.
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Press Release
20 December 2023
UN Iran holds art exhibition with participation of 35 countries
The exhibition is currently on display at the Niavaran Cultural-Historic Complex’s Blue Hall of Tehran, until 17 December. The initiative brings together pieces of art and cultural heritage of 35 countries from across the world, including from Iran. Besides country contributions, it also showcases photographs of selected gifts to the United Nations’ Headquarters in New York.
Innagurated on 7 December, 2023, the exhibition is one of the initiatives organized by the United Nations in the Islamic Republic of Iran to mark the UN Day in the country.
Guided by the spirit of the UN Charter, the three interconnected themes of this exhibition - Humanity, Solidarity and One Planet - underline that, despite the diversity of humankind, we should be united among us and stand in the defense of our one planet.
The exhibition is open to the public every day, from 10:00 to 16:00, until Sunday, 17 December, 2023.
Speaking at the innagural ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Stefan Priesner, extended his gratitude towards the participating countries for the support in organizing this exhibition.
Mr. Priesner said: “I believe that this exhibition is unique. Because of its theme that recalls the core principles of the United Nations based on the UN Charter, which is a singular document in history. It reminds us that despite our differences, we all belong to the same family called Humanity, which is the basis for human rights. It is also based on the principle of Solidarity so that no country and no person is left behind. And last but not least, it calls on us to protect this precious One and only planet that we all call our home.”
“Today, through this exhibit, we wish to open a window to stories from all corners of the world for the people of Iran. This is important because the UN is not only a forum of countries and governments, it is a confluence of peoples,” added the UN Resident Coordinator.
The countries participating in this exhibition included Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatioa, Finland, Holy See (Vatican), Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
This exhibition was organized by the United Nations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the support of the Nivaran Cultural-Historic Complex, and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.
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11 December 2023
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For further information please contact United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Tehran:
+989121053220
Unic-tehran@un.org
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Press Release
09 November 2023
WHO Strengthens Emergency Response Capacity in Iran’s Khoy Region with Life-Saving Equipment and Supplies
On 28 January 2023, at 21:44 local time, a devastating magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Khoy, leaving more than 1,445 people injured and causing significant damage to the region. In response to the government’s request for assistance, WHO immediately took action by participating in a multisectoral UN inter-agency mission to assess the situation, understand the needs of the affected population, and coordinate an immediate joint UN response.
Recognizing the urgent public health needs of the earthquake-affected population, WHO has embarked on a crucial mission to provide life-saving equipment and supplies to health facilities in Khoy and surrounding areas. The goal is to support health facilities accommodating earthquake-affected patients and those with limited access to healthcare due to damages caused by the earthquake.
To achieve this objective, WHO has procured and donated essential medical equipment, including two mechanical ventilators to assist patients requiring breathing support, one trauma and emergency surgery kit (TESK) to provide vital trauma care and three portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to aid in cardiac life support.
“This initiative reflects WHO’s dedication to its mission of promoting global health and responding to emergencies promptly and effectively. The Organization remains committed to working closely with local authorities and partners to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of future disasters,” said Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“These critical resources are envisioned to not only save lives but also prevent mortality and morbidity in the region,” Dr Hussain underscored.
The direct beneficiaries of this project are estimated to be 3,440 individuals, while an additional 150,000 people will indirectly benefit from the strengthened emergency response capacity in the region. The support provided by WHO, in collaboration with CERF, underscores the commitment to ensuring the well-being and health of the affected population in times of crisis.
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