17 April 2024, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – To bolster emergency medical services, WHO has donated 40 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and 1250 AED pads to the Iranian National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). The donation was co-funded by the European Union.

These resources will significantly enhance the prehospital capacities of NEMO. The assets will be strategically distributed among the provinces of Hormozgan, Kerman, Razavi Khorasan, and Sistan and Baluchestan. These provinces often face challenges in accessing adequate medical resources during emergency situations.

AEDs can save lives during sudden cardiac arrests. An AED effectively monitors heart rhythms and administers electric shocks to restore normal heart function. Their user-friendly design means AEDs can be operated with minimal medical training, making them invaluable assets in emergency response teams.

“With the increased availability of AEDs, first responders and emergency personnel in the target provinces will be better equipped to provide timely and effective care to those in need,” stated Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“This donation, co-funded by the EU humanitarian aid office, underscores our commitment to strengthen health systems and improve emergency medical services for vulnerable populations, including Afghan migrants and asylum seekers across the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

This initiative aligns with WHO’s mission to ensure universal access to quality health services, especially in subnational regions in contexts of humanitarian crises. By empowering local authorities and health providers with essential resources, the WHO Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran aims to support resilient and sustainable health systems in the target provinces.