Iran faces major environmental health challenges

On World Environmental Health Day, Iran’s Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi, highlighted the critical role of environmental health in disease prevention and community safety. Under this year’s international theme, ‘Environmental Health; Together with Science to Protect Communities,’ the Minister emphasized that environmental health is a fundamental pillar of the national health system.

Zafarkandi identified several significant challenges facing the country, including air pollution in metropolitan areas, water tensions, climate change, dust storms, urban and medical waste management, and the pollution of water and soil resources. He noted that addressing these issues requires evidence-based decision-making and strengthened cross-sectoral cooperation.

The Ministry of Health plans to prioritize the development of monitoring and care systems, enhanced oversight of food and water safety, the strengthening of specialized laboratories, and the use of new technologies. Furthermore, the Ministry aims to expand public education and health literacy, stressing that environmental protection requires the active participation of the public, municipalities, industries, and scientific institutions.