Why it matters:
The award highlights Iran’s growing scientific and medical leadership in the region despite decades of sanctions and restrictions imposed by Western governments that have sought to isolate Iranian researchers from international cooperation.
The big picture:
The WHO annually honors outstanding scientists who make significant contributions to public health and disease prevention.
This year’s regional award, funded by the State of Kuwait Prize Foundation, recognized Dr. Ghayour Mobarhan for his contributions to cardiovascular disease prevention.
His work on Iran’s national cohort study, recognized as one of Asia’s leading longitudinal health projects, has helped identify nutritional and lifestyle risk factors among high-risk populations.
What he’s saying:
While Dr. Ghayour Mobarhan could not attend the ceremony due to delays in visa issuance, the award was accepted on his behalf by Dr. Riazi, Deputy Minister of Health for Public Health.
The WHO cited his “remarkable scientific contributions in understanding and mitigating the role of nutrition and other risk factors in the onset of cardiovascular diseases.”
Key points:
Dr. Ghayour Mobarhan is the founder of the UNESCO International Center for Basic Medical Sciences and Human Nutrition in Iran, a leading hub for regional research collaboration.
His team’s findings have informed Iran’s national strategies on noncommunicable disease prevention and public health nutrition.
Go deeper:
The WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office has increasingly highlighted Iran’s role in advancing healthcare research and training across the region.
Despite sanctions, Iran has made major progress in biotechnology, vaccine production, and medical research, often in partnership with regional and UN institutions.
Mojtaba Darabi - ahmad shirzadian
