Health observatories in iran.

BACKGROUND: The Islamic Republic of Iran, in her 20 year vision by the year 2025, is a developed country with the first economic, scientific and technological status in the region, with revolutionary and Islamic identity, inspiring Islamic world, as well as effective and constructive interaction in international relations. Enjoying health, welfare, food security, social security, equal opportunities, fair income distribution, strong family structure; to be away from poverty, corruption, and discrimination; and benefiting desirable living environment are also considered out of characteristics of Iranian society in that year. Strategic leadership towards perceived vision in each setting requires restrictive, complete and timely information. According to constitution of National Institute for Health Researches, law of the Fifth Development Plan of the country and characteristics of health policy making, necessity of designing a Health Observatory System (HOS) was felt. Some Principles for designing such system were formulated by taking following steps: reviewing experience in other countries, having local history of the HOS in mind, superior documents, analysis of current production and management of health information, taking the possibilities to run a HOS into account. Based on these principles, the protocol of HOS was outlined in 3 different stages of opinion poll of informed experts responsible for production on management of information, by using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. The protocol includes executive regulations, the list of health indicators, vocabulary and a calendar for periodic studies of the community health situation.

Primary health care networks in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The progress towards achieving health for all in the Islamic Republic of Iran is reported in this paper with particular reference to primary health care networks. The establishment of the networks is outlined and the vital elements within the system described, such as the community health workers (behvarz) and the health information system. Areas of achievement are reviewed.

Primary health care networks in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The progress towards achieving health for all in the Islamic Republic of Iran is reported in this paper with particular reference to primary health care networks. The establishment of the networks is outlined and the vital elements within the system described, such as the community health workers [behvarz] and the health information system. Areas of achievement are reviewed

The Healthy Cities Project in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

PIP: This article describes the World Health Organization's Healthy Cities Project in Iran. In 1995, 58% of Iran's population of 60 million people lived in cities. Ministry officials held the 1st Symposium on Healthy Cities in December 1991. The first project was established in a sample area in Tehran--the 13th Avenue Aban in municipal area No. 20 in southern Tehran--among about 30,000 persons. A Healthy Cities Council was formed by the Undersecretariat for Health Affairs of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and related sectors. The project conducted a survey in order to assess community participation and to identify priorities. A pilot education project was established in one boys' and one girls' primary school. Students were selected from each grade to be health aides, instructors, and social workers. The students received intensive training. The project selected health volunteers for promoting relationships between families and primary health centers in the study area. Each trained health volunteer addresses family planning, vaccinations, and environmental health issues among 25-50 families. Health volunteers attend weekly training classes, assess client's hygiene, provide health education, record vital statistics, and encourage use of health services. The project is working to obtain a proper drainage system. People living in an unhealthy slum area were relocated and the slum was turned into a green area. The project is working to increase income among poor families, help the disabled, control the distribution and sale of food stuffs, and promote recycling. It is expected that 25 cities will be included in the Healthy Cities Project by 1993-94.^ieng