Iranian Doctor Wins 2024 Kuwait Prize for Breakthrough in Non-Communicable Disease Control

Iranian Doctor Wins 2024 Kuwait Prize for Breakthrough in Non-Communicable Disease Control

In an inspiring development for the scientific community, Iranian professor Majid Ghayour Mobarhan, affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, has been awarded the prestigious State of Kuwait Prize for the Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This recognition, administered by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights significant contributions to the prevention and control of critical health issues.

The State of Kuwait Prize aims to honor prominent scientists who have excelled in research related to:

  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Diabetes

Professor Mobarhan received the accolade for his groundbreaking work titled ‘Predicting Cardiovascular Disease in the MASHAD Cohort Study’. This study is recognized as one of Asia’s foremost health initiatives, focusing on the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors. By identifying these risks early, health professionals can enhance diagnosis, improve decision-making, and provide effective treatment for high-risk patients, according to the health ministry’s official website.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Mobarhan is the founder of the International United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, further emphasizing his dedication to advancing public health.

The prize includes a bronze medal and a monetary award. Due to a delay in his visa issuance, Mobarhan was unable to attend the award ceremony held in Cairo, Egypt, during the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC72) from October 15 to 17. Instead, Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raeisi accepted the award on his behalf.

Notably, other Iranian scholars have also received this esteemed prize in recent years. For instance:

  • Davood Khalili, who received the award in 2023
  • Afshin Ostovar, honored in 2022
  • Fereydoun Azizi, recognized in 2007

Iranian Researchers Achieving Global Recognition

The latest data indicates a remarkable increase in the number of Iranian researchers listed among the top two percent globally, based on citation metrics. This upward trend underscores a significant enhancement in the quality of scientific output from Iran.

The updated “science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators” reported on September 19 that Iranian researchers have shown unprecedented growth in both one-year performance and career-long metrics. Peyman Salehi, deputy science minister, elaborated on this achievement, stating:

“Iran has experienced an unprecedented growth in both one-year performance and scientific career-long indicators.”

According to the report, the number of highly cited Iranian researchers in the one-year performance index rose from 2,326 in the Iranian year 1403 (2024-2025) to 2,533 in 1404 (2025-2026). This increase of 207 individuals reflects a significant improvement in the quality and impact of the country’s scientific output in 2024.

Moreover, the career-long index of highly cited Iranian researchers has also seen substantial growth, increasing from 1,018 in 1403 to 1,021 in 1404. A five-year analysis indicates a remarkable rise from 433 in 1399, showcasing nearly a threefold increase during this period.

Salehi further explained the significance of the career-long index, noting:

“The career-long index refers to a researcher’s scientific performance over their entire career and includes the total number of citations received by the researcher’s articles through the end of 2024. This index evaluates metrics such as the number of citations, h-index, and the researcher’s contribution to collaborative articles.”

The achievements of Iranian researchers, including those like Professor Mobarhan, highlight the growing recognition of Iran’s contributions to global health and science. With continued dedication and innovation, Iranian scholars are poised to make further advancements in addressing critical health challenges.

As the scientific community continues to evolve, the impact of such awards and recognitions serves not only to celebrate individual accomplishments but also to inspire future generations of researchers in the Eastern Mediterranean region and beyond.

Similar Posts

  • Iran Recognized as a Leader in High Human Development by UNDP

    The UNDP’s latest Human Development Report (HDR) 2025 highlights Iran’s position within the High Development Index (HDI) category, noting a slight decline in its HDI score from 0.780 to 0.779, ranking it 75th globally. Despite a significant increase in HDI from 1990 to 2023, concerns remain regarding gender inequality, with Iran’s GII score placing it 123rd out of 172 countries. The report warns of a global slowdown in human development, urging nations to take action amid escalating challenges. It advocates for a human-centered approach to AI, emphasizing collaboration and modernization in education and health systems to enhance development outcomes.

  • Transformative UN Initiative Empowers Persons with Disabilities in Iran

    In 2023, the UN launched a program in Iran aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, collaborating with WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA. Key achievements include training 410 professionals, conducting an earthquake drill in a special school, and enhancing disaster preparedness strategies. The initiative provided assistive technologies to 1,099 individuals and a Braille Embosser for 2,500 visually impaired students. Economic empowerment training benefited 135 women with disabilities. Despite challenges from sanctions, Iran remains committed to enhancing services for people with disabilities, as emphasized by former State Welfare Organization head Ali-Mohammad Qaderi at the 17th CRPD conference.

  • UN Strengthens Partnership with Iran for Urban Resilience and Fair Housing Access

    The United Nations and Iran are collaborating to enhance urban resilience and equitable housing access, as highlighted by UN Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner on World Habitat Day. He emphasized the importance of sustainable city development amidst urban crises, linking it to Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan and National Housing Movement. Priesner acknowledged Iran’s housing crisis, where many families struggle with high rental costs, and praised the government’s commitment to improving housing access. He stressed that effective crisis response in urban areas requires collective efforts from various stakeholders. This partnership aims to foster sustainable urban environments and better living conditions for future generations.

  • Iran and UAE Join Forces to Tackle Urgent Environmental Challenges

    Iran and the UAE are initiating discussions on environmental sustainability, particularly renewable energies, with Iranian Department of Environment head Shina Ansari visiting the UAE for two days. Invited by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this visit follows meetings at COP29 in Baku, where both countries explored environmental cooperation. They have signed two memorandums of understanding focused on protecting the environment and combating sand and dust storms. High-level talks with Emirati officials aim to enhance collaboration in environmental initiatives. These efforts reflect Iran’s commitment to environmental diplomacy and the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change challenges.

  • Iranian Karate Star Golshadnezhad Shines Bright with Gold Medal Victory!

    The November 13, 2025, match captivated sports fans with its thrilling twists and intense competition. Featuring a fierce rivalry between two top teams, players showcased outstanding performances, breaking personal records and employing innovative strategies that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. A standout moment occurred when a player executed a stunning goal, energizing the crowd. Key takeaways highlighted the importance of teamwork, adaptability, fan support, and thorough preparation. The game sparked discussions among analysts and fans, eager for expert insights. As anticipation builds for future matches, valuable lessons from this event will shape upcoming performances.

  • Over 1.4 Million Generous Donors Step Up to Save Lives with Blood Donations in Just 7 Months!

    The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) has reported a significant increase in blood donations, with 1,435,183 donations recorded in the first seven months of the current Iranian year. This surge reflects a growing commitment to community health, particularly in provinces like Sistan-Baluchestan, Zanjan, and Fars. While women contributed about five percent of total donations, some provinces saw female participation exceed nine percent. Tehran led in donation volume, contributing over 16 percent. The WHO praised IBTO for achieving a 100 percent voluntary blood donation system, emphasizing the importance of community efforts in healthcare and the need for ongoing education to boost participation further.