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.