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30 April 2024
Op-ed by the Resident Coordinator: The ‘Summit of the Future’ and the promise of a renewed multilateral system
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Video
24 April 2024
UN Secretary-General's Video Message on the Occasion of UN 2.0 Week
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23 April 2024
WHO enhances prehospital capacities with donation of 40 defibrillators to Iranian emergency organization
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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
30 April 2024
Op-ed by the Resident Coordinator: The ‘Summit of the Future’ and the promise of a renewed multilateral system
This day reminds us of a fundamental truth: no country can solve today’s challenges alone. Instead, we must work together on common solutions to the magnitude of challenges our societies face. As UN Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres said recently, ““Our world is facing existential challenges, but the global community is more fragmented and divided than at any time during the past 75 years”. This is an alarming reality, shaped by years of devastating man-made disasters and natural calamities that humanity faces today. Conflict, war, mistrust and division are causing immense suffering and pain – from Gaza to Ukraine and Sudan to many other corners of the world. Many nations can still feel the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by a cost-of-living crisis, and food and energy vulnerabilities. The triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution pose an existential threat to the very existence of current and future generations. We are facing a global epidemic of mis- and dis-information, fake news, which in turn is undermining trust in global institutions and adding to instability. Our global institutions were designed for a bygone era, almost 80 years ago at the end of the 2nd World War, no longer fully reflecting today’s political and economic realities. Humanity is facing a massive storm on a multitude of fronts, and we must shift the trajectory; rebuilding trust and coming together around common solutions. For this vision to materialize, and in response to requests from UN Member States, the UN Secretary- General, has proposed a Summit of the Future to be held in September 2024 in New York.
This event is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform and reinvigorate the global multilateral system and place us on the right path towards a genuinely sustainable and equitable future for all. The primary outcome of the Summit will be an inter-governmentally agreed and action-oriented ‘Pact for the Future’. The pact will have five chapters: 1) sustainable development and financing for development, 2) international peace and security, 3) science, technology and innovation, 4) youth and future generations, 5) transforming global governance. Human rights and the empowerment of women will be cross-cutting across all the topics. Intergovernmental negotiations on the Pact are currently underway, and the UN as well as member states are committed to raising ambition and momentum for the Summit to ensure the changes our multilateral system needs. To support Member States in their preparations for the Summit, the Secretary-General provided his proposals in a series of policy briefs, deepening ideas initially laid out in the Our Common Agenda report. An ambitious pact will indeed lead to action towards a fair and just global financial system, a commitment to a safe, peaceful and sustainable planet, technology that is at the service of humanity, and a commitment to safeguard the interests of future generations, among others. Nations must go beyond general aspirations, and come together to make urgently needed decisions for the betterment of our world. Iran, as a founding member of the United Nations, can have important contributions on a range of topics and issues, bringing together countries and mobilizing political support for the urgent needs of our people and planet. Over the coming months, the UN in Iran will organise a series of activities to raise awareness about the Summit.As the Secretary-General noted, “We are at an inflection point in history… The choices we make, or fail to make, today could result in further breakdown, or a breakthrough to a greener, better, safer future.”
This event is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform and reinvigorate the global multilateral system and place us on the right path towards a genuinely sustainable and equitable future for all. The primary outcome of the Summit will be an inter-governmentally agreed and action-oriented ‘Pact for the Future’. The pact will have five chapters: 1) sustainable development and financing for development, 2) international peace and security, 3) science, technology and innovation, 4) youth and future generations, 5) transforming global governance. Human rights and the empowerment of women will be cross-cutting across all the topics. Intergovernmental negotiations on the Pact are currently underway, and the UN as well as member states are committed to raising ambition and momentum for the Summit to ensure the changes our multilateral system needs. To support Member States in their preparations for the Summit, the Secretary-General provided his proposals in a series of policy briefs, deepening ideas initially laid out in the Our Common Agenda report. An ambitious pact will indeed lead to action towards a fair and just global financial system, a commitment to a safe, peaceful and sustainable planet, technology that is at the service of humanity, and a commitment to safeguard the interests of future generations, among others. Nations must go beyond general aspirations, and come together to make urgently needed decisions for the betterment of our world. Iran, as a founding member of the United Nations, can have important contributions on a range of topics and issues, bringing together countries and mobilizing political support for the urgent needs of our people and planet. Over the coming months, the UN in Iran will organise a series of activities to raise awareness about the Summit.As the Secretary-General noted, “We are at an inflection point in history… The choices we make, or fail to make, today could result in further breakdown, or a breakthrough to a greener, better, safer future.”
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Story
23 April 2024
WHO enhances prehospital capacities with donation of 40 defibrillators to Iranian emergency organization
22 April 2024, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – To bolster emergency medical services, WHO has donated 40 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and 1250 AED pads to the Iranian National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). The donation was co-funded by the European Union. These resources will significantly enhance the prehospital capacities of NEMO. The assets will be strategically distributed among the provinces of Hormozgan, Kerman, Razavi Khorasan, and Sistan and Baluchestan. These provinces often face challenges in accessing adequate medical resources during emergency situations.AEDs can save lives during sudden cardiac arrests. An AED effectively monitors heart rhythms and administers electric shocks to restore normal heart function. Their user-friendly design means AEDs can be operated with minimal medical training, making them invaluable assets in emergency response teams.“With the increased availability of AEDs, first responders and emergency personnel in the target provinces will be better equipped to provide timely and effective care to those in need,” stated Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran. “This donation, co-funded by the EU humanitarian aid office, underscores our commitment to strengthen health systems and improve emergency medical services for vulnerable populations, including Afghan migrants and asylum seekers across the Islamic Republic of Iran.”This initiative aligns with WHO’s mission to ensure universal access to quality health services, especially in subnational regions in contexts of humanitarian crises. By empowering local authorities and health providers with essential resources, the WHO Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran aims to support resilient and sustainable health systems in the target provinces.
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Story
14 April 2024
Empowerment in every sip and stitch
Over the years, UNDP in Iran, in collaboration with both national and international partners, has taken significant steps in empowering women economically through various initiatives. Our vision is to foster a world where women are at the forefront of advancing sustainable and inclusive economic growth, all while ensuring the conservation and preservation of our environment.Discover the inspiring stories of Razieh, Masoumeh and Zahra who are producing visibility items and products for UNDP Iran. Their dedication showcases the significant benefits that result from adopting sustainable practices, both in terms of environmental protection and the empowerment of women, who are the backbone of our society.Our first stop is the northwest of Iran, West Azerbaijan province where Masoumeh and Zahra have made contributions to the Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project. The initiative in preserving wetlands have yielded notable outcomes, including an almost 2.5% boost in employment opportunities, positively affecting 1,443 individuals – 84% of whom are women – across 44 pilot villages. This project has played a pivotal role in diversifying income sources and fostering new income-generating ventures, thereby enabling communities to develop new skills and tap into various markets.Masoumeh specializes in producing herbal products, such as growing and harvesting herbal teas, offering a range of benefits. These include:Gol-e-Mohammadi, also known as Damask Rose:Gol Gavzabon, or Borage:In a nearby village, Zahra collaborates with other local women in a sewing workshop, where they craft tote bags. This initiative is particularly meaningful given the environmental impact of plastic bags, which, due to their non-renewable petrochemical makeup, can take up to 1,000 years to break down. Our commitment to combating plastic waste is more important than ever. UNDP Iran closely cooperates with Y and these local women, who play a vital role in our pursuit of promoting a circular lifestyle.Our journey continues to Hormozgan province in the south of Iran, home to Razieh, an ambitious entrepreneur. She oversees a rural microfinance fund with nine other members, operating a business focused on tailoring and local clothing. Through the cluster of local businesses, Razieh has not only enhanced her entrepreneurship skills but also empowered 170 women in neighboring villages, equipping them with the competitive edge needed to thrive.
Over in Bandar Abbas, women are busy making stunning traditional clothing and colorful crafts. Their creations are full of detailed patterns and bright colors, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of their coastal home.With our national and international partners, we, at UNDP Iran will continue to support the economic empowerment of women while also promoting green jobs in line with conserving and preserving our precious environment.
Over in Bandar Abbas, women are busy making stunning traditional clothing and colorful crafts. Their creations are full of detailed patterns and bright colors, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of their coastal home.With our national and international partners, we, at UNDP Iran will continue to support the economic empowerment of women while also promoting green jobs in line with conserving and preserving our precious environment.
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Story
14 April 2024
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”.
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Story
14 April 2024
UNICEF and UNHCR sign a Letter of Understanding to expand cooperation for vulnerable children in Iran
On 8 February 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU). This will expand joint efforts in Iran to support the Government’s response to the increasing needs of both refugees and the displaced population including children, their families and their host communities in the country.“Today we take another step forward in strengthening our collaboration to support the Islamic Republic of Iran’s inclusive refugee policies,” said UNHCR Representative in Iran, Dr. Yumiko Takashima in welcoming the signing of the LoU. “This will help maintain essential services provided through the national system, allowing access to all children without discrimination.”
Based on a long history of effective collaboration between the two UN agencies, the LoU will reinforce joint interventions to provide inclusive protection and assistance to the most vulnerable forcibly displaced populations in Iran. This cooperation will focus on joint advocacy in a variety of areas such as child protection, education, health and nutrition, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.“We are here today to fortify the collaboration between our agencies, uniting our efforts to ensure that all refugee and displaced children and families, along with their host communities, can consistently access social services. Our shared objective is to uphold the principle of ‘leaving no one behind,’ as we firmly believe that every child, regardless of their nationality or status, has a right to life with dignity and deserves an equal opportunity to realize their full potential,” affirmed the UNICEF Representative, Dr Robin Nandy.UNHCR and UNICEF work closely under the strategic collaboration framework signed in February 2023 at a global level. Both UN agencies appreciate the generosity and support provided by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran such as access to education and primary healthcare for all children in the country including refugee children. Iran is one of the world’s largest hosting countries with millions of refugees welcomed over four decades.The cooperation will help leverage UNHCR and UNICEF’s complementary strengths and scale up their joint efforts. This LoU further clarifies roles and responsibilities, enhances operational effectiveness – through a biannual Action Plan – and optimizes resources of each agency to the benefit of vulnerable children, including refugees, in certain agreed areas.
Based on a long history of effective collaboration between the two UN agencies, the LoU will reinforce joint interventions to provide inclusive protection and assistance to the most vulnerable forcibly displaced populations in Iran. This cooperation will focus on joint advocacy in a variety of areas such as child protection, education, health and nutrition, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.“We are here today to fortify the collaboration between our agencies, uniting our efforts to ensure that all refugee and displaced children and families, along with their host communities, can consistently access social services. Our shared objective is to uphold the principle of ‘leaving no one behind,’ as we firmly believe that every child, regardless of their nationality or status, has a right to life with dignity and deserves an equal opportunity to realize their full potential,” affirmed the UNICEF Representative, Dr Robin Nandy.UNHCR and UNICEF work closely under the strategic collaboration framework signed in February 2023 at a global level. Both UN agencies appreciate the generosity and support provided by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran such as access to education and primary healthcare for all children in the country including refugee children. Iran is one of the world’s largest hosting countries with millions of refugees welcomed over four decades.The cooperation will help leverage UNHCR and UNICEF’s complementary strengths and scale up their joint efforts. This LoU further clarifies roles and responsibilities, enhances operational effectiveness – through a biannual Action Plan – and optimizes resources of each agency to the benefit of vulnerable children, including refugees, in certain agreed areas.
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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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Press Release
09 November 2023
WHO, World Bank and Ministry of Health of the Islamic Republic of Iran facilitate provision of imaging services at public hospitals
As part of this endeavor, 42 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, 15 computed tomography (CT) scanners, and 14 angiography systems are being supplied to public hospitals, serving as a major milestone in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. This initiative is designed to strengthen the nation’s health infrastructure and cater to the surging demand for diagnostic and therapeutic services.
WHO, in collaboration with the Economic Coordination Center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, has successfully delivered 27 MRI machines to designated facilities as of 31 October 2023. An additional 814 devices will be distributed to 165 laboratories nationwide, reflecting the Organization’s commitment to bolstering healthcare capabilities across the country.
Notably, WHO is meticulously monitoring the installation, training, and handover processes to ensure they adhere to the highest standards. To date, the handover process of 9 MRI machines has been successfully completed, and they are now poised to serve patients, with 5 more devices in the process of training and handover.
Furthermore, the project includes the delivery of advanced CT scanners. Two 256-slice CT scanners have been delivered to hospitals in Tehran and Mashhad. One of these machines has already been handed over and is ready for immediate use. Additionally, ten 128-slice CT scanners have been imported to the country, with 6 of them successfully installed, trained, and handed over to recipient hospitals. Four more devices are currently in the training process.
The initiative also addresses the urgent need for angiography machines. By the end of October 2023, 6 angiography devices have been imported and are currently in the process of delivery to recipient hospitals, further expanding the diagnostic capabilities of the healthcare system.
The selection of the equipment was based on a comprehensive assessment, taking into account the increased demand for diagnostic devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, the depreciation of existing equipment, and the complexities associated with COVID-19related diseases. The chosen hospitals are primarily situated in urban areas, strategically positioned to serve a broad network of patients within a nationwide healthcare referral system.
The distribution of medical equipment to designated hospitals was prioritized based on post-COVID-19 epidemic needs, with a focus on underprivileged provinces, as well as the availability of specialized staff and expertise to operate the sophisticated equipment.
This groundbreaking initiative underscores the commitment of WHO, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Iranian government, to fortify the health infrastructure and ensure that all citizens have access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. It represents a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and in preparing for future health challenges.
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