TEHRAN – Observed on April 7 annually, World Health Day 2026 calls on people everywhere to stand with science under the theme ‘Together for health. Stand with science’.

This year’s theme indicates that science lays the foundation of fighting emerging health challenges such as microbial resistance, climate change, noncommunicable diseases, and the risk of pandemics, deputy health minister Alireza Raeisi has said.

However, the realization of the 2026 theme is impossible without securing health against politicization, sanctions, and military aggressions, he noted.

Referring to the recent violent attacks by the US and Israel on Iran’s civilian and health infrastructures, which have led to the destruction of medical centers, and the martyrdom of people and health workers, Raeisi underlined the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the health system during conflicts. 

“As long as access to medicine, critical devices, and scientific interactions are used asa lever to achieve political aims, as long as military aggressions threat the safety of health infrastructure, and the lives of medical staff, we cannot claim that we stand with science,” the official added.

“These days we have been witnessing the widespread destruction of non-military units, airstrikes on universities, scientific, research, and healthcenters by our enemies; a large number of our dear fellow men including women, children, and health workers have lost their lives. 

Today, we announce that standing with science is only possible when political and military pressures can no longer exert pressure on health sector. Respecting science requires respecting independence, security, and wellbeing of the countries,” Raeisi further noted.

The official went on to say that scientific achievements of the domestic researchers and the exchange of knowledge with international community are the best waysto realize universal health coverage (UHC), and reduce inequality of opportunity to have access to health services . 

The World Health Day 2026 launches a year-long campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet.

The campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action – through a strong focus on the One Health approach.

It invites people everywhere to participate – by celebrating scientific achievements, engaging with evidence, sharing personal stories of how science improves lives.

The campaign calls on governments, scientists, health workers, partners, and the public to stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health; rebuild trust in science and public health; and support science-led solutions for a healthier future.