More than seven weeks after the war in Iran began, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are expanding activities in Tehran and continuing to respond to growing medical needs in other areas where we work. While the current ceasefire has brought some relief, the situation remains fragile for many people who rely on essential healthcare services.

Prior to the start of the war, MSF had been running activities in South Tehran, Mashhad, and Kerman province, mainly focusing on general healthcare for people who face challenges in accessing health services, particularly Afghan refugees.

At the height of the violence, during a period of intense bombing, MSF had to temporarily suspend activities in our clinic in South Tehran. The clinic has since reopened, and MSF has received authorisation to operate the clinic as an advanced medical post, meaning we are able to receive wounded people and stabilise patients in critical condition, if needed. We have also expanded services to all Iranians, and the number of consultations has doubled since the ceasefire. Around 250 patients are now treated at the clinic each day.

“General healthcare is often among the first services to be disrupted during emergencies, yet it remains one of the most essential,” says Grigor Simonyan, MSF’s head of mission in Iran. “People still need treatment for common illnesses and for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. And, especially after the trauma of war, many will need mental health support.”