UNICEF and WHO Join Forces to Boost Vaccination Efforts in Iran

In a significant development for child health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are collaborating with the Iranian Health Ministry to enhance the national immunization program. Their primary focus is on introducing new vaccines that will protect children from various diseases and ultimately reduce child mortality rates.

During a workshop on immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases held in Kerman province, UNICEF official Mohammad Eslami emphasized the organization’s commitment to expanding vaccination efforts despite ongoing sanctions. He stated, “UNICEF is doing its utmost to provide the vaccines needed and to assist the Ministry of Health to ensure that no child is left behind.”

One of the primary challenges in vaccination efforts is maintaining the cold chain system, which is essential for preserving the effectiveness of vaccines. Eslami noted that the current cold chain conditions in Iran are satisfactory, and with UNICEF’s support, the Ministry of Health is working to establish new, standard cold storage facilities in areas lacking adequate systems.

Additionally, UNICEF has supplied 17 standard refrigerated vehicles to ensure safe transportation of vaccines across the country, maintaining the required temperature range. Eslami further highlighted the importance of educating families and children about the critical role of vaccination in preventing life-threatening diseases. Teaching target groups about vaccination will be one of UNICEF’s main activities this year.

Omid Zamani, a WHO official, praised Iran’s achievements in immunization, noting that the vaccine coverage in the country is approximately 97 percent, which is commendable. However, he pointed out that some border areas and regions populated by migrants may still lack adequate access to vaccinations. He stressed the need for accurate identification and coverage of these underserved areas.

Last year, Iran integrated the Rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines into its national immunization program. In the coming five years, the country plans to introduce three additional vaccines to further enhance its immunization strategy.

Vaccines Supplied by UNICEF and WHO

Since the beginning of 2025, UNICEF has made significant strides in procuring essential vaccines to safeguard children against serious health threats. These include:

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
• Rabies Vaccine
• Pentavalent Vaccine
• Rotavirus Vaccine

These vaccines were acquired at the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME). Notably, over 1 million doses of the rotavirus vaccine were delivered on August 21 and 23, following earlier supplies in May. This vaccine is crucial for protecting children from severe diarrhea, a leading cause of child illness.

On August 23, a shipment of 15,000 doses of the rabies vaccine was received, with an additional 74,400 expected by the end of September. Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted through bites from infected animals.

Moreover, more than 255,000 doses of the pentavalent vaccine arrived on the same date. This single injection protects infants from five serious diseases, including diphtheria, Hib, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and tetanus. It is typically administered during the baby’s first year as part of the routine vaccination schedule.

A shipment of 465,000 doses of the pentavalent vaccine also landed in the country on August 3, underscoring UNICEF’s dedication to ensuring that every child in Iran has access to life-saving vaccines, even amidst challenging circumstances.

On July 30, the most recent batch of PCV, consisting of 200,250 vials, arrived in Iran, following an earlier shipment in April that included both the PCV and rotavirus vaccines. These efforts are bolstered by collaboration with the GAVI Alliance, a global organization focused on improving vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries.

In a notable achievement in August 2024, the WHO successfully facilitated the procurement of 2.79 million Vaccine Vial Monitors (VVMs) for Iran’s oral polio vaccine program. This strategic initiative, funded by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, represents a significant advancement in strengthening the national immunization efforts.

The shipment of VVMs, which are temperature-sensitive devices critical for vaccine storage and transport, arrived through Imam Khomeini International Airport and was jointly received by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and the WHO Country Office in Iran. These monitors play a vital role in ensuring vaccines remain effective by maintaining optimal temperature ranges during storage and transportation.

Ali Es’haghi, Director General of the Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, acknowledged that this collaborative success stems from coordinated efforts across various levels of operation. VVMs are essential in safeguarding children’s health and contribute significantly to the global initiative to eradicate polio.

With these continued efforts and partnerships, UNICEF, WHO, and the Iranian government are making strides towards ensuring that every child in Iran has access to vital vaccinations, thereby protecting them from preventable diseases.