WHO Partners with Tehran University of Medical Sciences to Boost National Laboratory Capabilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergency team recently engaged with Tehran University of Medical Sciences to enhance the capabilities of two vital public health facilities in Iran: the National Polio Laboratory (NPL) and the National Influenza Centre (NIC). This collaboration aims to strengthen laboratory capacities and improve infectious disease surveillance across the nation.

On November 26, the WHO health emergencies team visited these centers to assess ongoing cooperation, review operational needs, and strategize on bolstering laboratory capabilities. This information was highlighted in a press release from the WHO on December 1.

For more than four decades, the WHO has been instrumental in providing technical and operational support to these national reference laboratories. Despite facing challenges in acquiring specialized equipment and reagents, continuous assistance from the WHO has ensured that both laboratories remain fully operational and capable of serving Iran’s entire population.

National Polio Laboratory (NPL): The NPL is crucial in maintaining Iran’s polio-free status. The last reported case of wild poliovirus in the country was in 2000. However, ongoing transmission of the virus in neighboring regions and frequent cross-border movements pose a risk of reintroduction.
Environmental and Stool Sample Testing: To mitigate this risk, the NPL conducts tests on environmental samples, particularly from Sistan-Baluchestan province, as well as stool samples from suspected cases referred by health facilities across the nation. Annually, the NPL tests around 2,500 human stool samples, which is vital for timely detection and reporting.
Polio Surveillance: The laboratory’s capabilities, paired with routine polio vaccinations, are essential for effective polio surveillance and national outbreak prevention efforts, contributing to global polio eradication initiatives.

The NIC serves as Iran’s leading reference laboratory, focusing on the detection and characterization of influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens. With the support of the WHO, the NIC has enhanced its operational and technical capabilities, including:

Virus Typing and Subtyping: The NIC conducts virus typing and subtyping, providing critical data that informs domestic seasonal influenza vaccination policies.
Outbreak Response Measures: The laboratory plays a key role in outbreak response, sharing vital data with the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to guide WHO’s recommendations for seasonal vaccine composition.

Thanks to WHO’s ongoing support, the NIC has maintained robust diagnostic capabilities, enabling Iran to swiftly detect and characterize emerging strains of influenza. This readiness is crucial for enhancing pandemic preparedness and protecting communities from respiratory infections.

Enhancing National Immunization Capacity

In collaboration with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) and the WHO, Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) recently hosted a workshop aimed at bolstering the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) capacity. Conducted from November 9 to 13 in Tehran, this workshop focused on enhancing the functionality of NITAG and ensuring alignment with global standards.

Participants in the workshop included:

NITAG members from Iran
Officials from MoHME
Experts from the Pasteur Institute and Razi Institute
Representatives from UNICEF and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

The workshop featured a mix of lectures, technical discussions, group work, and case presentations designed to foster teamwork, support peer-to-peer learning, and encourage knowledge sharing among participants.

NITAG is tasked with providing independent, evidence-based recommendations that guide national decisions regarding vaccine registration, distribution, and administration in Iran. This group collaborates closely with the Essential Programme of Immunization (EPI) and MoHME, assisting in the formulation of vaccine introduction strategies and optimizing routine vaccination efforts throughout life.

Dr. Awad Mataria, the Acting WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iran, emphasized the significance of the workshop during his opening remarks. He stated, “This workshop is a critical and timely event, fully aligned with our collective global and regional goals. The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) provides our global vision – a world where everyone, everywhere, at every age, fully benefits from vaccines for good health and well-being.”

Furthermore, he noted that a central pillar of IA2030 is strong country ownership, built on sound, evidence-based decision-making. Dr. Mataria reiterated WHO’s commitment at all levels—headquarters, regional offices, and the country office in Tehran—to provide technical support for this initiative.

The overarching goal of the workshop was to strengthen NITAG’s capacity and promote institutional development through structured training, expert guidance, and collaborative planning. Achieving this will lead to a well-functioning, evidence-based advisory body that ensures effective vaccine policy-making, improved immunization coverage, and better health outcomes for the entire population.

With increased Iranian participation in global and regional immunization discussions, there is a pressing need to enhance the group’s technical readiness. The workshop marked a significant step in equipping NITAG members and partner organizations with the necessary tools, knowledge, and collaborative experience to support high-quality immunization decisions, thereby strengthening existing interventions and improving public health for all in Iran.