The World Health Organization (WHO) has released US$800,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to support the health response in Iran over a three-month period, as the health system continues to face significant strain following weeks of hostilities.
“The release of WHO CFE funds for Iran coincides with a much-needed ceasefire after weeks of intense pressure. But the public health crisis is far from over. Humanitarian and health needs remain extremely high, and many people are still struggling to access even basic care,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “This funding will support WHO’s immediate priorities in Iran, focused on sustaining essential health services, restoring the functionality of critical health infrastructure, and ensuring continuity of life-saving care. It will also strengthen readiness to respond to possible further escalation.”
Over the three-month CFE allocation period, WHO’s priorities in Iran will focus on sustaining essential health services in conflict-affected areas. This includes restoring functionality of critical health facilities through the provision of generators, power stabilization systems and essential medical equipment, and pre-positioning life-saving medical supplies, including trauma care and treatments for non communicable diseases. The allocation will also support strengthening mental health and psychosocial support for health workers, and enabling the deployment and coordination of emergency medical teams to reinforce surge capacity where needed.
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Although the health system remains operational, it is under increasing strain. According to the Ministry of Health, 2,362 people have been killed and 32,314 injured since 28 February. Health workers have also been affected, with 118 injured and 25 killed. Beyond these figures, the health system has sustained significant damage. Health authorities report that 48 hospitals and 218 health facilities have been damaged, alongside 54 pre-hospital emergency posts and 41 ambulances, with 8 hospitals evacuated.
Disruptions to services and restricted access to care are being driven by rising trauma caseloads and challenges affecting referrals, supply chains and service delivery. Medical services are also affected by damage to pharmaceutical and medical equipment production and distribution facilities, some of which are now inoperable.
As part of its recently launched flash appeal for the Middle East escalation of violence, WHO is seeking almost US$7.2 million to support the health response in Iran. WHO calls on partners and donors to support the scale-up of the health response in Iran, to sustain essential health services, address urgent needs, and strengthen the resilience of the health system in the face of ongoing and potential future shocks.
