Dr. Hanan Balkhy completed her first official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran as WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean on 12-15 April. He met with officials and partners to discuss WHO's work in the field and how to strengthen collaborations and strategic initiatives to meet health needs.
The Regional Director's visit started in the historical city of Isfahan; Here he visited Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Rector Dr. who is also the president of Isfahan Academy of Medical Sciences. He met with Shahin Shirani. He also met with university faculty members and other Ministry of Health and Medical Education officials. Dr Balkhy said: “It is impressive to see how quality integrated medical education has played a role in improving healthcare in the country, leading to higher life expectancy, lower mortality rates and wider vaccination coverage.”
With more than 800 research centers, the Islamic Republic of Iran is making great efforts to expand its research capacity. Dr Balkhy visited the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, one of the 16 WHO collaborating centers in the country. The institute focuses on research, education and patient rehabilitation in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The country's investment in evidence generation creates a knowledge base for the health workforce and strengthens the resilience of the health system.
Dr Balkhy then met with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Mr Stefan Priesner, and representatives of other UN agencies. The focus was on the critical role of multisectoral collaboration in improving health and the long-term socioeconomic benefits of preventive health measures. They considered how to improve advocacy for the critical work the Islamic Republic of Iran does for the country's people, including more than 5 million refugees and immigrants. Additionally, areas where collaborative work between UN agencies should be prioritized were also discussed.
At the meeting held between Dr Balkhy and the Minister of Health and Medical Education and his deputies, Dr. Behram Eynollahi stated that more than 96% of the population has health insurance. He also said he was committed to strengthening the country's primary health care network and family health program; strengthening prevention and health promotion; and produces more than 92% of essential medicines locally. Dr. In order to build on such remarkable achievements, Balkhy reiterated WHO's support for Iran's healthcare system, especially primary healthcare, with the aim of advancing universal health coverage.
During the meeting with His Excellency Dr Jamileh Alamolhoda, wife of the Iranian president, mental and psychological health, as well as physical health, were also discussed as important aspects of public health. WHO will continue to work with Member States to ensure the holistic health and well-being of their people.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, met with Dr. to discuss issues related to health and diplomacy in order to reduce the burden of disease and create safer societies. He met with Balkhy. Topics discussed included the impact of sanctions on public health; Cross-border transmission of infectious diseases, a challenge to which the influx of refugees also contributes; and the implementation of health measures during annual mass gatherings, where the Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to strengthen cooperation with WHO to find and implement appropriate solutions.
“In addition to our continued technical support to the country's healthcare system, we are ready to expand collaborations on regional priorities such as equitable access to medical supplies, strengthening the health workforce and combating substance abuse,” Dr Balkhy said.
The Regional Director expressed WHO's support for multi-country partnerships, including sub-regional cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighboring countries. “WHO wishes to share the valuable experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of primary healthcare, family medicine, local production of medical supplies, health insurance and preventive health initiatives with other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond,” he said.
Dr. Balkhy's visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran underlines the mutual commitment to address complex health challenges and build bridges between countries for the well-being of societies, especially in these challenging times when the Region faces multiple emergencies and conflicts.
