TEHRAN –The Iranian deputy health minister has called on the World Health Organization to establish a working group to address the impacts of unilateral coercive measures on health in the region and to develop possible solutions consistent with basic human rights.

“We call on the international community to make every possible effort to condemn these illegal acts and force the responsible parties to deal with unfair sanctions immediately,” the health ministry’s website quoted Alireza Raeisi as saying. 

He made the remarks while addressing the seventy-first session of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO).

The meeting is being held in Doha, Qatar, from October 14 to 17 under the theme of “health beyond borders: action, access, equity.” 

The official further noted coercive sanctions have denied nations the right to access essential medicines and medical tools. 

He also highlighted the significance of sharing precise data as well as having a collective commitment to universal health coverage to overcome the challenges in the region.