TEHRAN – Recent attacks on Iran’s scientific centers, particularly the Pasteur Institute, have raised significant concerns about the impact on public health. Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi insists these assaults won’t stop Iran from advancing scientifically. He emphasized that knowledge doesn’t reside solely in buildings; it thrives in the minds of scientists.
The Pasteur Institute, founded in 1920, is a vital member of the Pasteur Network and collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO). It plays a key role in health initiatives across Iran and the region, providing disease surveillance, diagnostics, and medical countermeasures. The institute was struck on April 2, damaging its capabilities.
Hossein Kermanpour, the deputy health minister, expressed that the attacks threaten not just Iran but global health. He believes these facilities represent global heritage and any assault on them undermines public health initiatives worldwide.
This destruction is especially concerning given recent reports. According to a study by the Global Health Security Index, many nations are inadequately prepared for health emergencies. When institutions like the Pasteur Institute are damaged, it hinders the collective ability to respond effectively to health threats.
Mario Moreira, president of the Pasteur Network, echoed these concerns, warning that such attacks could disrupt regional health security. He noted that when institutions supporting diagnostics and disease control are compromised, it can have repercussions beyond national borders.
In times of crisis, the emphasis on rebuilding and strengthening health infrastructure is paramount. Zafarqandi believes with global cooperation and support, it’s possible to rebuild better and more resilient health institutions, ensuring that knowledge continues to thrive, undeterred by aggression.
Source link
U.S.-Israeli aggression,war,Iran,Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi
