WANA (Dec 02) – During Iran’s 2025 World AIDS Day webinar—attended by the Minister of Health, senior officials, international agencies, and partner organizations- it was announced that Iran’s HIV-positive births have reached zero.

 

In this event, the message of Health Minister Mohammadreza Zafarghandi was delivered, highlighting major national achievements in HIV prevention and control.

 

Zafarghandi emphasized that HIV is a fully manageable condition, noting: “With timely diagnosis and effective treatment, patients can live a normal lifespan. By reducing viral load, they also lose the ability to transmit the virus to others.”

 

He outlined the core goals of Iran’s HIV control strategy:

  • 95% identification of people living with HIV,
  • 95% treatment coverage for those diagnosed,
  • 95% treatment success among patients receiving care.

 

The minister highlighted Iran’s national strategic plan, developed with the participation of 23 organizations, as a key strength. Since 2016, a national oversight committee has monitored implementation, assigning clear responsibilities to each agency and developing precise evaluation indicators.

 

Zafarghandi noted that standardized clinical guidelines and a comprehensive HIV Management Information System (MIS) have strengthened oversight.

 

He added that the Health Ministry’s main responsibility—ensuring treatment success—has seen exceptional progress: 94% of treated patients have achieved viral suppression.

 

A major milestone, he said, is the country’s success in preventing mother-to-child transmission: “The number of HIV-positive newborns dropped from 10 cases in 2017 to just one case in 2020. In 2023 and 2024, no cases were reported.”

 

Last year, 150 HIV-positive mothers gave birth to completely healthy babies, made possible through expanded access to treatment and prenatal care.

 

However, Zafarghandi acknowledged remaining challenges, particularly in diagnosis: “Last year, 62% of cases were identified, and improving diagnostic outreach remains essential.”

 

The webinar brought together senior Health Ministry officials, medical universities, and representatives of international organizations to discuss Iran’s HIV control achievements, national policies, regional epidemiology trends, and the importance of supporting people living with HIV.

 

Video messages were also delivered by the UN Secretary-General, the UN Resident Coordinator (acting) in Iran, UNAIDS country office leadership, the World Health Organization representative (acting), the UNDP representative, and officials from UNICEF and the UNFPA.

HIV-Positive Births in Iran Have Reached Zero

HIV-Positive Births in Iran Have Reached Zero. Social media/ WANA News Agency