Dr. Zohreh’s Journey in Reaching the Unreached

On World Health Day, we celebrate the dedication of those working quietly yet powerfully to make health services more inclusive and accessible.

For the past 14 years, Dr. Zohreh, an obstetrician-gynecologist, has devoted her career to supporting women in vulnerable situations. Her journey began at the Iran Research Center for HIV/AIDS, where she conducted research and provided medical care to support women improve their health and well-being. Over time, her commitment took her beyond hospital walls, onto the roads and into communities where access to care is often out of reach. 

Around eleven years ago, Zohreh joined the mobile health clinic initiative designed to provide critical services to those who could not access health facilities due to distance or social barriers. Today, she manages number of mobile clinics, providing healthcare with passion. “We started as a team, but now I run the clinic alone,” she shares. “With a driver and a female psychologist, we travel long distances to reach people who would otherwise not have access to healthcare services. It’s not always easy, but the sense of responsibility keeps me going.”

Her work is part of a larger national effort of Ministry of Health and Medical Education supported by UNDP and the Global Fund. Since 2005, this partnership has helped strengthen Iran’s health infrastructure and expand outreach and prevention efforts for vulnerable groups.

One of Zohreh’s greatest achievements has been earning the trust of the communities she serves, building bridges through care, listening, and respect.  For Dr. Zohreh, this is more than a job. It’s a duty rooted in compassion. Her story reflects the spirit of World Health Day, a reminder that health is a shared responsibility.