The 2nd International Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Science (AIMS) will be held in Tehran from May 14 to 16, focusing on AI’s role in healthcare. The event aims to foster collaboration among researchers, discussing advancements, challenges, and opportunities in AI applications for medical sciences, including personalized medicine and digital health. A preliminary event on AI in telehealth will occur on February 16, showcasing AI tools and trends. Additionally, a memorandum signed in January emphasizes using AI in medical treatment. The congress highlights AI’s potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve access, particularly in underserved areas.
Iran’s health ministry has launched a national HIV testing campaign, “I will take HIV test, too,” to address the HIV epidemic. Running for a month from November 11, the initiative aims to boost testing among key populations by enhancing testing center capacities, reducing stigma, and promoting universal access to education and diagnosis. With approximately 41,059 HIV cases in Iran, the campaign emphasizes the importance of awareness and testing. Globally, HIV remains a significant health issue, with millions affected. The campaign is crucial for transforming the response to HIV in Iran and fostering a supportive environment for testing and treatment.
Tehran will host the inaugural AIX Expo, an international AI exhibition, from January 12 to 15, 2026, at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. Supported by the Ministry of ICT, the event will feature over 50 leading AI and tech companies, showcasing innovations and hosting specialized panels on AI applications in healthcare, energy, urban development, finance, and manufacturing. The expo aims to enhance collaboration and stimulate investments in Iran’s growing AI sector. Meanwhile, Iran’s AI research ranking has improved globally, and its government readiness for AI implementation is also on the rise, indicating significant progress in the technology landscape.
Slums in major Iranian cities, particularly Tehran, Mashhad, and Bandar Abbas, are reaching crisis levels, with 6.5-7% of the population estimated to live in informal settlements. Factors like drought, poor living conditions, and rising housing costs drive migration to urban areas. The marginalized population has surged from 600,000 to over 25 million in 35 years, exacerbating social instability and crime rates in slum regions. Environmental issues and inadequate services have worsened public health risks, with around 900,000 children out of school. The Iranian regime’s failure to address these challenges threatens to deepen poverty and exclusion.
February 20 marks the World Day of Social Justice, highlighting the importance of integrating social justice into global initiatives for addressing inequities and promoting sustainable development. This year’s theme, “strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future,” focuses on ensuring that the shift to low-carbon economies benefits vulnerable populations. Established by the UN in 2007, the day advocates for equal access to essential services regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Key principles include a holistic approach, support for vulnerable groups, simultaneous decarbonization and economic transformation, and equitable cost sharing, all aimed at fostering an inclusive, sustainable future for all.
During the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recognized the strain Afghan refugees place on Iran’s healthcare system. He affirmed WHO’s support for Iran’s health initiatives, which serve as a model for the region. Iran’s Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi highlighted the presence of over 4.5 million refugees and the need for enhanced cooperation with the WHO. The WHA focuses on global health challenges, with 56 topics for discussion, including health policies and international cooperation. Zafarqandi plans to engage with health ministers from various countries to foster collaboration and improve health services, especially for refugees.