THE World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal for international support to bolster Iran’s strained health system after a series of airstrikes, including significant damage to the Institut Pasteur in Tehran, left key medical facilities unable to function effectively.
AFP, On Saturday, cited WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying multiple attacks on health infrastructure have been reported in the Iranian capital in recent days as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.
He confirmed that the Institut Pasteur, a major public health and research centre, “sustained significant damage and was rendered unable to continue delivering health services,” one of more than 20 verified facilities targeted since early March.
The centre, founded in 1920, plays an important role in protecting and promoting population health, including during emergencies.
Iranian health authorities posted images on social media showing parts of the Institut Pasteur reduced to rubble after recent airstrikes, though they said vaccine and serum production there has not been interrupted.
Tedros said the WHO is calling for urgent assistance not only for Iran but also for neighbouring countries whose health systems are under severe strain from the wider conflict, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
He noted that the hostilities have displaced millions of people and caused widespread damage to health facilities during an escalating war that has already inflicted significant civilian casualties and injuries.
The appeals for support come amid heightened global concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure, which under international law are protected spaces, and as the destruction of critical health services threatens broader public‑health outcomes in the region.- April 4, 2026
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