Health Minister Emphasizes the Role of Education and AI in Combating Non-Communicable Diseases
In recent discussions, Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi has highlighted the significant role of artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and mobile health in effectively managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These modern technologies are essential for creating a smart healthcare system and enhancing public awareness through preventive education and improved health literacy. As Zafarqandi stated, the integration of these tools is critical for reducing costs and improving access to healthcare services.
These remarks were made during the inaugural session of the national committee for the prevention and control of NCDs. Zafarqandi emphasized that health goes beyond mere medical treatment. He noted that health literacy and education play a vital role in enhancing the overall health of society.
He further stressed the importance of public education regarding the primary symptoms of diseases, which can lead to:
- Early detection of conditions,
- Reduced treatment costs, and
- Improved success rates in managing diseases.
Moreover, Zafarqandi called for the creation of national operational programs to be implemented across provinces. He also advocated for workshops aimed at executing screening programs for:
- Hypertension,
- Diabetes, and
- Blood lipid levels.
Currently, non-communicable diseases are a major health concern in Iran, accounting for a staggering 82 percent of all deaths. Over the past two decades, mortality rates due to NCDs have increased by 14.5 percent. The principal categories of NCDs affecting the population include:
- Cancers,
- Diabetes,
- Cardiovascular diseases,
- Chronic respiratory diseases, and
- Mental health disorders.
To combat these diseases effectively, Zafarqandi identified two crucial strategies:
- Early screening of non-communicable diseases, and
- Control of risk factors associated with these diseases.
Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
In a noteworthy development earlier this year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This agreement, signed on January 11, aims to leverage artificial intelligence for medical treatment purposes. The focus of this collaboration includes:
- Support for health-related omics and genomics studies,
- Cell therapy in endocrinology and metabolism,
- Person-centered medicine utilizing AI tools for prevention, prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, and
- Innovation in the commercialization of health products and services.
According to statistics, the integration of AI in healthcare has led to significant cost reductions, with advanced countries experiencing savings of approximately 40 percent. In specific cases, such as the treatment of breast or lung cancers, AI has the potential to lower healthcare costs by up to 80 percent. Mostafa Qanei, the secretary of the Biology Development Headquarters, emphasized that a knowledge-based economy should focus on utilizing AI to achieve these cost savings.
National Health Literacy Movement
In a bid to enhance health awareness, a national health literacy movement was launched in 2024, targeting ten provinces across the country. This initiative aligns with the theme of the second day of national health week, as reported by an official from the health ministry’s Persian medicine office. Hossein Rezaei-zadeh stated:
“It’s a specialized program that aims to promote health and a healthy lifestyle and will involve multilateral interaction between the ministries of health and education.”
The program is designed to commence in schools, focusing on:
- Teachers,
- Students from first to sixth grade, and
- Their parents.
Through the use of graphic techniques and engaging educational principles tailored for children, the initiative aims to deliver simple, practical messages about healthy lifestyles in an enjoyable storytelling format. The emphasis on health literacy and the skills necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle are critical elements for promoting health and well-being within families and society as a whole.
As Iran continues to address the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases, the implementation of AI, telemedicine, and mobile health technologies, coupled with a robust health literacy movement, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its healthcare system.
