WANA (Jul 19) – The Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, has officially congratulated Iran’s Minister of Health for the successful elimination of measles and rubella in the country by the end of 2023.

 

According to a Friday report by the Ministry of Health’s public relations office (Webda), the achievement was confirmed in an official letter from WHO’s country office in Iran, following the assessment of the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC MR).

 

Dr. Balkhy commended the commitment and sustained efforts of Iran’s Ministry of Health, calling the elimination of these diseases a “milestone in the country’s health system.”

 

The announcement follows the findings of the Seventh Meeting of the RVC MR for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which verified that Iran has successfully met all international criteria for eliminating measles and rubella.

 

Health authorities attributed this public health achievement to years of comprehensive planning, widespread vaccination campaigns, rigorous epidemiological surveillance, and inclusive national healthcare participation.

 

This milestone not only marks a major step forward in improving public health in Iran but also strengthens the Islamic Republic’s standing in achieving global health goals at both regional and international levels.

Measles and Rubella Elimination in Iran. Social media/ WANA News Agency