9 December 2024, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – On 3 December 2024, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education hosted a ceremony celebrating Maragheh’s designation as the Islamic Republic of Iran’s second Healthy City. Minister of Health and Medical Education H.E. Dr Mohammad-Reza Zafarghadi presided over the ceremony which was attended by WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain and Member of the Consultative Assembly for Maragheh Dr Seyed Farid Mousavi. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy attended virtually.
Governor General of Maragheh District Dr Morteza Minouyi accepted the award from Dr Hussain.
“This achievement underscores Maragheh’s dedication to fostering a sustainable, healthier future and establishes a benchmark for cities nationwide,” said Dr Balkhy.
Dr Balkhy emphasized the significance of the Healthy Cities Programme: “As a platform for multisectoral collaboration, the Healthy Cities Programme empowers communities to actively participate in needs assessments and the effective planning of interventions aimed at improving public health, ensuring that no one is left behind. The Programme helps establish organizational structures to create and implement a shared vision for cities and their residents, placing health at the forefront. This approach promotes networking and action to achieve sustainable development goals at the city level through a bottom-up methodology.”
Expanding the Healthy Cities network in Iran
Maragheh follows Sahand, which was awarded the Islamic Republic of Iran's first Healthy City designation in 2021. Building on Sahand’s experience and inspired by its achievements, in 2022 the Islamic Republic of Iran became the first country in the Region to establish a National Healthy Cities network. The initiative supports registered cities and promotes the exchange of experiences and best practices.
“The Healthy Cities approach is the best model for promoting development, education and health across the country. Currently, 31 cities are preparing to join the network,” said Dr Zafarghandi.
Driving public health through collaboration
“Development programmes in healthy cities are based on intersectoral coordination and active community participation,” noted Deputy Minister of Public Health Dr Alireza Raeisi. “The governor and mayor are tasked with addressing social determinants of health and ensuring coordinated efforts to enhance public health.”
Highlighting the achievements of the Iranian Healthy Cities network, Dr Hussain stressed how, through international collaboration and technical consultation, it “has become a hub for sharing experiences, generating practical knowledge and building capacities both within Iran and beyond”.
“The national network’s novel approach to coaching and mentoring registered Healthy Cities, initiated and led by WHO’s Country Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, has led to significant progress in expanding Healthy Cities in Iran and achieving public health goals.”
A healthier future for all
Maragheh’s recognition as a Healthy City acknowledges the city’s commitment to implementing sustainable health initiatives and fostering collaborative action. Drawing attention to the transformative potential of the Healthy Cities Programme in achieving health equity and sustainable development, it serves as an inspiring example for other cities in the Islamic Republic of Iran and across the Region.
