Ghodrat Moradi, head of the Center for Communicable Disease Management, addressed the current and future status of infectious diseases at a press conference, particularly emphasizing potential threats that could turn into pandemics in the future. He stated that COVID-19 and influenza are among the most significant factors of these threats and that we must be prepared to combat them.
The Importance of Vaccination in Iran
Moradi highlighted Iran's successes in vaccination during this meeting, stating, "Vaccination coverage in our country has been over 97 percent for the past three decades." This statistic reflects the continuous and effective efforts of Iran's healthcare system in combating infectious diseases. According to him, this high vaccination coverage has helped eliminate diseases like polio from the country.
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Threats from Anti-Vaccine Groups
However, Ghodrat Moradi also pointed out new challenges that have arisen in this area. He addressed the anti-vaccine groups that have become a threat to vaccination achievements, emphasizing, "These groups can quickly contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, and we must plan to combat them."
According to Moradi, raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of vaccination should be prioritized, as lack of awareness can lead to the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation in combating infectious diseases, especially during pandemics.
These remarks come as the world seeks ways to prevent new pandemics following the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moradi also mentioned the risks posed by climate change and social conditions that can contribute to the spread of new diseases, stating, "We must pay attention to these factors and create appropriate strategies to combat them."
Finally, the head of the Center for Communicable Disease Management emphasized that vaccination is essential not only for individual health but also for the health of the community. He urged everyone to value vaccination and cooperate in this regard.
