Handover Ceremony of Mobile Harm Reduction Vans and Social Emergency Vehicles Held at Ameneh Orphanage"

According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department, Dr. Ghobad Moradi, Director of the Center for Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, described the Welfare Organization as a symbol of maternal compassion. “As a citizen, I view the Welfare Organization like a mother who sees all her children as equally important, like the five fingers of one hand,” he said. Dr. Moradi congratulated the staff on Welfare Week, adding: “There are many organizations in the country, but the level and nature of services provided by the Welfare Organization are unmatched. The personnel of this organization are truly dedicated and self-sacrificing. We should all deeply appreciate their efforts.” He emphasized that the Welfare Organization has been effective in implementing harm reduction programs, especially for the most deprived, impoverished, and vulnerable groups in society. “The success is evident in the decline of HIV prevalence among people with substance use disorders, which has dropped from 10–15% in the early 2000s to just 2% today,” he noted. Dr. Moradi highlighted the uniqueness of the Welfare Organization, stating, “What distinguishes it is the target population it serves—often individuals covered under Article 15. These individuals undergo remarkable transformations during the time they receive services, and many are able to reintegrate into society.” He expressed hope that the Welfare Organization would continue to support the Ministry of Health, just as it has in the fight against HIV, particularly in eliminating Hepatitis C—an illness that still disproportionately affects high-risk groups under the care of the Welfare Organization. Referring to the handover of mobile harm reduction vans by the United Nations to the Welfare Organization, Dr. Moradi stated, “Like the Welfare Organization, we are also a working partner of UNDP Iran. UNDP, as one of the UN’s agencies, has demonstrated great flexibility, cooperation, and understanding of Iran’s social challenges. It has made efforts to respond effectively to the needs expressed by the Welfare Organization, for which I am truly grateful.”