Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Hadley Abrutyn
Committee:WHO
Topic: The Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Iran
School: Roeper
Delegate Name: Hadley Abrutyn
The spread of zoonotic diseases, a disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from animals to humans, poses a threat to public health. Some zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, are 100% preventable through vaccination and other methods. These viruses harm not only human populations, but also communities and ecosystems that rely on animals for their livelihoods. The Islamic Republic of Iran is devoted to addressing this issue by working with other nations to improve proactive and preventative procedures for limiting the spread of these viruses, through methods such as increased disease monitoring.
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, dog-transmitted diseases such as cystic echinococcosis (CE) and rabies are endemic and are a major health and economic burden for communities. Nevertheless, efforts to control dog-related zoonoses are increasing all the time, particularly in the case of CE, and particularly since the establishment of the Iranian Research Center for Hydatid Disease (RCHD) in 2013. RCHD aims to conduct basic epidemiological and clinical research, build capacity, raise public awareness and increase community outreach to tackle this neglected zoonotic disease. This has led to important, concrete improvements. CE surveillance has increased after the establishment of a national CE registry. Access to CE diagnostics has also been expanded and awareness-raising campaigns have been delivered to children, clinicians and the public alike. Professional education to improve the diagnosis and treatment of CE is gathering pace, and the promotion of humane dog population management is also being prioritized. Effective surveillance is the foundation for detection, control and management of CE. In 2014, RCHD, supported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, created a national CE registry system (HydatidReg). The registry has helped improve the understanding of CE epidemiology in the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlight disease burden and inform treatment.
Currently, the WHO has made efforts to combat zoonotic diseases globally, including providing assistance and coordinating response efforts during outbreaks like Ebola and MERS. However, these efforts have not always been effective in developing countries, due to limited resources and political challenges. In developing countries, the WHO can play a more proactive role by helping the government strengthen local health systems, improve public awareness, and increase funding for zoonotic disease research. Additionally, strengthening regional partnerships with neighboring countries could help create a more robust system for monitoring and responding to outbreaks, especially in areas where cross-border transmission is a risk.
A comprehensive solution to zoonotic virus prevention in Iran involves a combination of policy reforms and international collaboration. First, the UN should prioritize the implementation of disease prevention policies by strengthening animal health surveillance, improving veterinary care, and enforcing biosecurity measures in agriculture. The WHO and international organizations should offer support and financial incentives to ensure that these measures are implemented effectively. Lastly, community-based interventions, such as training local farmers in safe farming practices and increasing public awareness, will play a crucial role in reducing the risk of disease transmission. By adopting these strategies, Iran can improve its ability to manage zoonotic disease risks while minimizing the economic impact on its agricultural sector.
