Tehran, 18 October 2023 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in an official ceremony, handed-over a Drug Trace Detector device to the Anti-Narcotics Police (ANP) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, procured under generous Japanese fund. This device which will be used for controlling a wide range of drugs trafficked, especially at eastern borders of Iran with Afghanistan, has been procured under sub-programme 1 of UNODC Country Partnership Programme (CPP), based on the requirements of the Iranian Anti-Narcotics Police shared with the UNODC Iran. The purpose for this procurement activity is to further increase the operational capacity of the Iranian ANP. This official event was organized at the Iranian ANP Headquarter in Tehran, with invaluable presence of H.E. Ambassador Aikawa, Ambassador of Japan in Iran, as the representative of the Government of Japan; the donor for this activity.  On this date, an exclusive visit to the permanent exhibition of the Iranian ANP was also arranged, for Ambassador of Japan in Iran, H.E. Ambassador Aikawa. In this official event, Brigadier General Kakavand, the Head of Iranian ANP, acknowledged the technical supports and procurements by the UNODC Iran under generous financial support from the Government of Japan, and stated that since the menace of drug is a global problem it calls for global efforts and support to be solved. In his remarks during the official ceremony, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, highlighted the significant achievements of the Iranian ANP and expressed his willingness and readiness to continue provision of technical and procurement support, upon availability of financial support from the donor countries. He also referred to activities of UNODC Iran in the current year which include procurement of Drug Identification Devices, Drug Detecting Dogs, and required Canine Trailers and Accessories for Drug Detecting Dogs centres of the Iranian Law Enforcement. Ambassador of Japan in Iran, H.E. Ambassador Aikawa, also commented on the successful achievements of the Islamic republic of Iran ANP and stated that although Japan is not a major terminal of drugs from Afghanistan, we regard it as global issue. This is why the Government of Japan is willing to cooperation with UNODC and Iranian ANP. Colonel Naghi Mahmoudi, the Deputy Head of Anti-Narcotics Police also provided some statistics and information about the recent seizures and highlighted the increasing level of seizures of Methamphetamine originated in Afghanistan. This event was organized as part of the activities foreseen in the framework of the sub-programme 1 “Border Management and Illicit Trafficking” of UNODC Country Partnership Programme for the Islamic Republic of Iran, through the generous donation of the Government of Japan. *** For additional information please contact Amir Hossein Vaziri (Mr.) Programme Associate, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran Tel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: amirhossein.vaziri@un.org

22 November 2023, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – WHO has partnered with Oslo University Hospital to donate crucial sets of breathing machines and essential medicine to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBUMS). These will help improve the efficacy of treatment for cases of poisoning with methanol, carbon monoxide (CO) or anaesthetic gases. This groundbreaking effort aims to contribute to global knowledge production and foster collaboration among academic institutions globally. The partnership between Oslo University Hospital and SBUMS signifies a crucial step towards improving health and humanitarian services in the Islamic Republic of Iran. By increasing the country’s capacity for clinical trials in treating patients with poisoning, especially that caused by methanol and CO, the collaboration addresses a critical health need in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This successful initiative involved coordination across multiple sectors, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), academic institutions and all 3 levels of WHO – headquarters, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and country office. The collaboration was comprehensive, addressing legal, technical and logistical aspects. The donated breathing machines and methanol antidotes were formally handed over at a ceremony held at SBUMS on 20 November 2023. The event was attended by esteemed figures, including the chancellor and authorities of SBUMS, the Ambassador of Norway in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOHME and WHO. Partners from Oslo University Hospital participated online. During the ceremony, Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressed the vital role of international collaborations, especially in the face of sanctions. He emphasized the importance of joint research studies in strengthening capacities and knowledge transfer among countries and academic institutions. WHO pledged support through nationwide training courses on usage of the donated breathing machines and technical assistance for the implementation of research studies. “We are also planning to scale up this initiative to the regional level for future collaborations,” added Dr Hussain. His Excellency Sigvald Tomin Hauge, Ambassador of Norway, highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the donation, expressing Norway’s commitment to support those in need in the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also mentioned that Norway supports future regional plans. Dr Alireza Zali, Chancellor of SBUMS, extended gratitude to the Government of Norway and Oslo University Hospital for their support, emphasizing the positive impact on research and clinical institutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dr Zali outlined the crucial role of poison centres in the country and the significance of having an ample stock of required antidotes. This donation not only enhances clinical studies on poisoned patients but also provides an opportunity for MOHME to strengthen national poison centres and networks. Dr Knut Erik Hovda, representing Oslo University Hospital, commended the close collaboration with WHO at all levels. He acknowledged the commitment of technical and academic institutions in Iran, expressing hope that this donation will contribute to improved treatment for poisoning with methanol, CO and anaesthetic gases. This collaborative effort speaks to the power of international cooperation in addressing critical health challenges, ultimately to strengthen health systems globally and save lives.

For Mojtaba Dashte Beshi, a dedicated retired social worker from Shiraz, the journey of helping people living with HIV/AIDS began right in his own backyard while he was growing up in one of Shiraz's drug-ridden neighbourhoods. "Many of my childhood friends fell into drug use, and some died from overdoses," he recalls. "That's why, instead of wishing to become pilot or firefighter as a young kid, I dreamed that one day I become social worker to help drug users to recover." In Shiraz, the first clinic to provide services for drug users was opened on 1988, where Mojtaba encountered his first HIV-positive patient. "In those early days, fear and misinformation about HIV/AIDS were widespread, and we knew so little about mode of transmission," Mojtaba explains. He recalls that back then people were afraid to even shake hands with or to sit in the same room with people living with HIV. “At that time in Shiraz, many doctors, especially dentists, were not willing to accept them" he says. Families also didn’t know how to properly deal with people living with HIV, and Mojtaba, a social worker, has encountered many experiences in this regard. He explains that many people took extreme measures when they found their HIV positive status, some committed suicide for the fear of their families, or migrated to another city anonymously to hide the issue from their families. Misinformation and lack of sufficient and accurate knowledge fuels stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV in society. The fear of being stigmatised can have serious consequences and prevent people living with HIV/AIDS to receiving vital HIV treatments, as studies show. As an example, according to the UNAIDS country progress report in 2020, biobehavioural surveillance among people who inject drugs showed that nearly half of the respondents had avoided seeking health care, HIV testing, HIV medical care, and/or HIV treatment because of perceived stigma and discrimination. For social workers like Mojtaba, social work is more than just a job; it is a mission to combat the myths and mis information around HIV/AIDS and to help people living with HIV be treated fairly and with dignity. Raising awareness and education are the key solutions, which is why Mojtaba, and his colleagues held many educational workshops in schools, universities, and factories over the past years and brought patients to speak about their experiences. When asked about a memorable moment from his 30 years of working in this field, he recalls a training seminar in Shiraz that he organized. He came up with a creative idea to break the cycle of stigma and discrimination by inviting five People living with HIV, who had been anonymously attending the session as specialists for three days, disclose their status on the last day. "Many participants were surprised, some actually cried, realizing how wrong it is to avoid people living with HIV and had discriminatory behavior," he says. Although stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS is still a reality today, the situation in Iran has improved considerably. “After many years of working in this field, I have clearly witnessed that over the past few years, People Living with HIV have increasingly put their trust in health care centres and actively engaged in their care processes, subscribing to Positive Clubs” said Mojtaba. Positive Clubs were one of the successful programmes in positive health, dignity and prevention among people living with HIV and their families conducted through close collaboration of UNAIDS, the centre of communicable disease control of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education; Medical Universities; the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; United Nation Development Programme; State Welfare Organization and Civil Society Organizations. The UNAIDS country office, together with national partners of AIDS control programme, has made efforts to eliminate HIV related stigma and discrimination in the country. In 2010 the first people living with HIV Stigma Index study conducted. A comparison between the first study and the second study in 2021, using updated methodology, reveals positive changes. Self-stigma among PLHIV decreased from 80% to 40%, the percentage of people with HIV not seeking medical help decreased from 80% to 19%, and overall stigma and discrimination decreased from 71% to 47%. Data from UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2023  underscores the impact of such efforts globally. Currently 29.8 million of the 39 million people living with HIV worldwide are receiving life-saving treatment. This represents a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, a testament to the dedication and resilience of healthcare workers and social workers worldwide. Yet, the battle is far from over. In 2022, AIDS claimed a life every minute. Around 9.2 million people living with HIV were not receiving treatment, and another 2.1 million, while on treatment, were not virally suppressed. Social workers retire, but their legacy remains. Now retired, Mojtaba remains active in helping patients and pursues hobbies like stone carving, nature photography, and bird watching. "Like stones in the rough, addicts, or people living with HIV, have beauty and value inside just waiting to be realized," Mojtaba tells us when we ask how social work relates to masonry.  "With patience and care, they can transform into precious gems." His story serves as an inspiration that we all have the power to make society more embracing of the wounded, marginalized, and vulnerable.

  In Iran, a surge in online platforms has emerged during and after the Covid19 pandemic, but challenges persist in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas to expand economic opportunities for micro and small businesses. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iran collaborates with national and international partners to empower vulnerable groups, like women-headed households and youth, ensuring access to know-how and support services. This is in line with the national plans to move towards a knowledge-based economy which can help bridge the current economic divide between rural and urban communities.   UNDP's partnership with the private sector includes a strong focus on rural development and entrepreneurship, leveraging both digital and traditional marketplaces. Our goal is to identify structural barriers and pilot innovative projects that can be later scaled-up and replicated for impact.    UNDP is proud to be supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Iran while ensuring their revival and strengthening of value chains, building marketing, and branding potential based on the local comparative advantages.   Women play an important role in revitalizing local economies by leveraging their traditional knowledge and engaging in value chain in rural areas. Through UNDP's initiatives, they've grown into leaders of their enterprises, offering decent work opportunities to various groups, including women and youth.     Aylar is an herbal medicine expert from West Azerbaijan and started her business three years ago. She focuses on herbal medicine services and sustainable agricultural production, including organic pesticides and insecticides, benefiting the agricultural sector and Lake Urmia basin's environment.   Through UNDP's digital initiatives, Aylar joined a virtual platform, leading knowledge exchange across agricultural value chains. She credits UNDP's Conservation of Wetland Project for connecting her directly with farmers, allowing her to enhance their knowledge in environmentally friendly practices.   “6, 7 years ago, I learned about UNDP Conservation of Wetland Project (CIWP). Through UNDP’s digital intervention on connecting value chain actors together, I was able to have direct contact with farmers as my potential customers and enhance their knowledge and capacity in using environmentally friendly practices.”     Maryam is a hardworking entrepreneur from Pol-e Dokhtar county in Lorestan province. Her passion lies in harvesting and processing figs and other agricultural crops. With the help of her newly acquired digital marketing skills, she now sells her seasonal-picked products on online platforms, turning her crop processing into a thriving business.   Not content with her success alone, Maryam dreams of creating job opportunities for other women in her community. She learned about UNDP projects through the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, which provided her with valuable insights into fig processing. As a result, Maryam has already created jobs for five other people and continues to expand her network for packaging and marketing. “I hope one day the 4,000 farmers and farm owners from my region can benefit from such initiatives and expand their livelihoods.”     Faezeh is a driven entrepreneur from Hormozgan province. Along with 29 other women, she is part of a village micro-credit fund, equipping a workshop for processing and packaging agricultural products.   Before UNDP's intervention, they worked individually, selling products in bulk without adhering to health standards. However, with UNDP's support, their network and knowledge expanded significantly. They learned the value of collaboration and now work collectively as a family business.   Faezeh's leadership extends to managing the rural micro-credit fund. “With a population of 5,000 inhabitants, 3,000 people are directly or indirectly benefitting from this initiative. Through unity and determination, we are making a positive impact in our community.”     Zahra is the dedicated manager of HASHTPAR, a women's cooperative in the Sistan region, committed to fostering alternative livelihoods for local communities. Her journey began in 2019 when she started producing handicrafts.   Through UNDP’s support, Zahra's cooperative has grown significantly. Now, 300 women and young girls from 15 villages benefit from the cooperative, ready to join the local economic chain.   Over the past year, UNDP's intervention has been instrumental in expanding their network and sharing traditional techniques with more women. As a result, they've created numerous job opportunities for the local community. Their hub in Zabol, the first handicraft store in the area.     “I take pride in directly providing jobs for 300 women, most of whom are youth. The establishment the store allowed us to reach more customers nationally and internationally.”     Razieh is a determined entrepreneur from Hormozgan province, managing a rural microfinance fund. Alongside nine other members, they run a tailoring and local clothing business.   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.   “When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the community faced hardships, with families struggling due to a lack of jobs and livelihoods. Family members were even hiding from one another. This is when UNDP stepped in, providing essential tailoring equipment to help sew masks and health packages. These vital supplies were distributed among locals, aiding in reducing COVID cases and protecting the community while providing job opportunities for the local community. Access to more equipment resulted in increased production, allowing our business to cater to more clients. Although Friday bazars were initially closed due to the pandemic, UNDP's support in enhancing digital literacy enabled us to sell products online. With the re-opening of the Friday bazars, 300 people now directly benefit from job opportunities.”     Haleh is a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from West Azerbaijan province. She passionately provides digital services to rural producers through digital mini hubs. UNDP’s digital intervention allowed her to enhance her digital capacity and access.   As the manager of one of the 12 digital hubs in the region, Haleh supports ten rural businesses across eight diverse product clusters in four villages. These clusters encompass food products and handicrafts, reflecting the rich diversity of her local community.   “Through the establishment of the digital hubs, 300 local producers have benefited from digital capacity development training, building their skills and confidence in the digital landscape. These hubs serve as vital connecting points where local producers package, market, and post their products to Digikala dispatch centers. Impressively, almost half of the trained local producers have registered their products on the digital platform, with women representing nearly 70% of them.”   Skills, micro-finance, creating value-chains and streamlined onboarding into new digital marketplaces are key success elements. All our initiatives aim for greener jobs, improving the use of natural resources and reducing waste.   Haleh and her fellow entrepreneurs are shining examples of success in their communities, demonstrating determination and resilience on their journey to success. With a promising future ahead, they aspire to expand their businesses, not only in Iran but also overseas. Motivated and full of potential, they are unstoppable in their pursuit of reaching new heights.   Together with its partners, UNDP Iran is steadfast in its commitment to empowering women and youth through transformative initiatives and projects, contributing to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.