Iran receives pneumococcal conjugate vaccines with UNICEF support

In support of the introduction of PCV in the national childhood immunization programme in the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNICEF supported the delivery of 564,000 doses of PCV for prevention of pneumococcal-related infections and deaths among children in the country. 

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, 17 March 2024. 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Education intends to introduce two new vaccines into the national childhood immunization programme 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”.