24 October 2023 – To additional strengthen the struggle in opposition to polio, WHO has offered state-of-the-art sequencing gear to the National Polio Institute of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The donation coincides with World Polio Day 2023 and reaffirms the dedication of WHO and the National Polio Institute to eradicate polio and guarantee a more healthy future for all.
The donated machine is understood for its accuracy and flexibility and can considerably enhance the genetic sequencing capabilities of the National Polio Institute. This superior gear will considerably cut back the time required to sequence the viral genome from days to hours. This addition will allow the laboratory to quickly carry out high-quality, dependable genetic sequencing of samples, facilitating speedy public well being interventions.
Genetic sequencing performs an important position within the struggle in opposition to poliovirus: it confirms its detection, identifies its supply, tracks its geographic unfold, and helps decide essentially the most applicable vaccination methods. The National Polio Institute can even use its enhanced capability to assist sequence polio samples from neighboring nations, particularly these which might be the final strongholds of untamed poliovirus.
“The WHO Office within the Islamic Republic of Iran stays unwavering in its dedication to maintaining the nation polio-free – a exceptional achievement achieved over the 23 years since 2000. This dedication is realised by means of varied capacity-building initiatives and actions,” stated Dr. Saeed Jafar Hussein, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health and Medical Education by offering important laboratory provides and gear, strengthening the experience of specialists on the National Polio Institute, and serving to to detect poliovirus in each people and the surroundings by means of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance and environmental monitoring,” Dr Hussain added.
Dr. Hussain careworn that along with these efforts, WHO will proceed to help the Ministry of Health in conducting mass vaccination campaigns throughout polio outbreaks and guaranteeing containment of the poliovirus. This complete strategy is an integral part of the worldwide mission in the direction of polio eradication and is in keeping with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 and different worldwide devices to guard the general public well being of the Islamic Republic of Iran and past.