24 October, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran - To support the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education eliminate malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO), with generous financial backing from the People of Japan, is providing humanitarian assistance to the country’s southeastern regions which face a high risk of malaria transmission due to frequent cross-border movement between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Support includes the donation of 4902 mosquito dome tents, designed to provide a mosquito-free resting environment for individuals at risk, particularly vehicle drivers who frequently travel between the 3 countries, border guards and health care workers stationed in high-risk areas. The mosquito tents have been distributed to 3 universities of medical sciences – Zahedan, Iranshahr and Chabahar – in Sistan and Baluchistan Province. The universities will oversee the final distribution of tents within the province.
“By offering protection against mosquito bites, these tents help reduce the risk of malaria transmission. The initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of international partners in addressing public health challenges and supporting vulnerable communities,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain.
In addition to the mosquito tents, WHO procured and donated 50 000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests. The tests, which provide clear evidence of the presence of malaria parasites in human blood allowing for timely and appropriate treatment, are an essential tool in the fight against malaria. The Ministry of Health and Medical Education’s Center for Communicable Disease Control is currently distributing the tests to health centres and hospitals in Sistan and Baluchistan Province through the same 3 universities of medical sciences.
Dr Hussain highlighted the broader impact of the donations: “The impact of these donations, made with the support of the Government of Japan, extends beyond immediate malaria prevention and diagnosis. By strengthening the capacity of local health care systems, these efforts contribute to the long-term goal of malaria elimination in the Region. The availability of rapid diagnostic tests ensures that suspected cases of malaria can be confirmed quickly, reducing the risk of severe illness and death, while the use of mosquito tents provides a practical and effective means of protection for those most at risk, helping to break the cycle of transmission.”
“This project is a response to the increase in the number of malaria cases in Sistan and Baluchistan Province which is largely due to the floods that occurred in Pakistan in 2022. The project aims to strengthen Iran's capacity to respond to the threat of malaria and prevent the spread of the disease,” said His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr Tamaki Tsukada.
“Japan has made significant achievements in malaria control using similar methods in other countries around the world. We hope that the mosquito nets, insecticides and diagnostic test kits provided by Japan in cooperation with WHO will help the people of the province and reduce the number of people suffering from malaria.”
Further bolstering the fight against malaria, WHO procured insecticides, including deltamethrin, bendiocarb and Fludora Fusion, which are critical to vector control strategies. The use of the insecticides will complement other malaria control measures such as the distribution of mosquito nets and implementation of indoor residual spraying programmes.
The comprehensive support provided by WHO and the Government of Japan enhances the capacity to combat malaria, protect public health and contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of affected populations. This collaboration between international partners and local authorities underscores the importance of solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing global health challenges.
As the fight against malaria continues, the continued commitment of all involved parties is crucial. WHO’s ongoing support, combined with the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and local health care providers, will make a significant difference in the lives of those at risk. Together, we are paving the way for a malaria-free future in southeast Iran, bringing relief to countless individuals and families.