WHO and Russian Federation collaborate to strengthen emergency response capacities in Islamic Republic of Iran

25 December 2023, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – In a significant stride towards bolstering emergency response capacities and healthcare resilience, a trauma and emergency surgery kit (TESK) was generously donated to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) of Iran. The donation is part of a collaborative initiative between WHO and the Russian Federation.

The donation ceremony saw the presence of key figures including Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Reza Dehghanpour, the Deputy for Development and Human Resources of NEMO, Mr Rafael Gevorkyan, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Russian Federation in Tehran, and Mr Valerii Malyshev, the Attache of the Embassy. The kit is designed to provide essential materials and equipment for 100 surgeries. 

Iran, susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, storms, and man-made incidents like road traffic accidents, stands to benefit significantly from this initiative. The donation of TESK aligns with the broader goal of strengthening healthcare facilities’ preparedness, ensuring timely responses to disasters and emergencies with health impacts. 

“The collaborative effort between WHO, the Russian Federation, and NEMO underscores the importance of international cooperation in fortifying nations against the multifaceted challenges posed by emergencies and disasters. This donation signifies a concrete step towards building a resilient healthcare system in Iran and stands as a testament to the power of global partnerships in safeguarding public health,” said Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

“The paramount importance of individual well-being resonates deeply within the cultural and religious framework of Russia. A long-standing collaboration with Iran in healthcare, highlighted by the establishment of Russia’s first international hospital in Tehran and donation of it to the Iranian people, signifies our enduring commitment. This dedication to preserving lives is not only evident in historical initiatives but was also prominently demonstrated in our rapid response to the COVID-19 health emergency in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” emphasized Mr Rafael Gevorkyan, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, during the handover ceremony.  

NEMO, responsible for pre-hospital emergency medical services, possesses the capacity to establish field hospitals during crises. This capability enables on-site care for casualties before their safe transportation to more permanent health care facilities.