Iran Explores Enhanced Health Collaborations with Switzerland and Saudi Arabia
TEHRAN – In a significant move towards enhancing international health cooperation, Iranian Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi held separate discussions with his counterparts from Switzerland and Saudi Arabia during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. This assembly, which commenced on May 19 and will continue until June 27, focuses on critical health challenges and opportunities for collaboration among nations.
During the meeting with Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Zafarqandi emphasized the potential for expanding health sector cooperation between Iran and Switzerland. The discussions were centered around the upcoming third joint economic committee meeting, scheduled for September 16 in Tehran. Zafarqandi highlighted the significant capabilities of both nations and proposed leveraging their joint expertise across various health sectors.
In his remarks, Zafarqandi also addressed the support provided to Swiss companies operating in Iran, mentioning the establishment of a special working group aimed at facilitating their operations. This initiative includes notable firms such as Roche, Nestlé, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, and Strauman. The group’s role is crucial in removing barriers and addressing any challenges these companies face in the Iranian healthcare market.
Baume-Schneider acknowledged the importance of these discussions, stating, “As the host of the World Health Organization (WHO), Switzerland is committed to enhancing cooperation with both the organization and its member states. The world is evolving, and we are actively pursuing reforms to adapt to these changes.” She also commended Iran’s steps to combat drug abuse, indicating that collaborative plans are in motion for the joint economic committee meeting.
Following the meeting with Switzerland, Zafarqandi met with Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel. This meeting culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening health diplomacy between the two countries.
The MOU is anticipated to bolster collaborative efforts in several key areas, including:
- Global health security
- Hajj and Umrah
- Smart hospitals
- Training specialized human resources
Zafarqandi noted the existing strong cooperation regarding the Hajj pilgrimage and expressed optimism about further enhancing ties in health and treatment sectors. He underscored Iran’s substantial capabilities in:
- Primary healthcare
- Healthcare networks
- Specialized medical services
- Medicines and medical equipment
- Medical education
The 78th World Health Assembly is centered around the theme “One World for Health” in 2025, gathering high-level representatives from various countries to address pressing health challenges. This year’s assembly holds particular significance as nations confront emerging threats and shifts in the global health landscape.
The theme reflects the WHO’s ongoing dedication to solidarity and equity, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
Throughout the assembly, participants will deliberate on current and future global health priorities, with member states expected to share their perspectives on various topics outlined in related documents. Alireza Biglari, an official from the health ministry, indicated that Zafarqandi will present a statement concerning 35 specific documents related to Iran’s health system. This includes:
- 29 documents focused on general health activities
- 6 documents addressing specific departmental activities and international cooperation
Additionally, the assembly will cover a range of topics, including budget and financial matters, the membership status of member states, auditing processes, and issues raised during the WHO executive board session.
In total, the 78th WHA will discuss 56 topics, as stated by Biglari. On the sidelines of the assembly, Zafarqandi plans to engage in further meetings with health ministers from various countries, including Switzerland, Italy, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, India, Cuba, and the WHO director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), to foster stronger international ties.
