This year, the week is marked under the theme of ‘healthy women, healthy mothers, healthy generations’.

The health ministry has organized different programs aimed at improving women’s health and well-being by promoting health literacy, healthy lifestyle, and prevention of common diseases in women.

The days of the week also focus on different topics.

Tuesday, October 15, ‘Maternal health and childbearing’

Wednesday, October 16, ‘Health literacy, self-care, and women's health’

Thursday, October 17, ‘Healthy lifestyle throughout women’s different life stages’

Friday, October 18, ‘The role of family in maintaining and promoting women, mothers, and children's health’

Saturday, October 19, ‘The impacts of threats and opportunities caused by media on women’s health’

Sunday, October 20, ‘Priorities of local areas’

Monday, October 21, ‘Breast cancer from prevention to treatment’

National health week

The national health week was held from April 20 to 26 under the theme of ‘Family health and popularization of family health’.

This year’s theme highlighted supporting the need to access high-quality and affordable healthcare services for everyone in the country; ensuring everyone, particularly vulnerable or marginalized groups, receives equity services, and promoting people’s role in providing and maintaining universal health.

It also underscored the need to strengthen and enhance the resilience of the healthcare system to be able to effectively confront health potential threats with unknown features.

Health is a universal right

Health is a universal right and responsibility that is not limited to any specific age group, culture, or nationality, former Health Minister Bahram Einollahi said in April.

All members of society from their childhood to old age have the right to access high-quality health services without financial worries.

Access to clean drinking water, soil, air, and food is a fundamental right and responsibility, the Health Ministry’s website quoted Einollahi as saying.

He made the remarks on the occasion of World Health Day 2024, calling upon decision-makers to create conducive environments for individuals to actively participate in creating and maintaining health, from home to the community and the environment.

He went on to say that the family health program and referral system in Iran is one of the most advanced health programs in the world. It aims to enhance everyone’s access to health services, promote well-being, and achieve significant welfare objectives.  

Launched last year, the program seeks to foster a healthy, vibrant society through national and collective efforts at all levels of society.

The upcoming National Health Week will set health priorities for the next year in alignment with the national plans and priorities.