Tehran, Iran

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Iran and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) launched a new collaboration on 22 March 2023. This 60-month project aims at improving access to comprehensive Integrated Maternal and Reproductive Health and Protection Services including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services for Afghan refugee women and girls residing in Iran. The project will be implemented in the four provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Golestan, and Isfahan. 

The intervention has two key objectives. Firstly, it plans to improve the capacity of Afghan refugees, particularly women and girls, and their host communities, to address their health and protection needs and access economic opportunities. Secondly, it seeks to enhance access to reproductive and protection services for both Afghan refugees and host communities. This will be achieved by strengthening the capacity of healthcare and social systems in Iran all the while ensuring the dignity of Afghan women and girls.

Key partners for implementation are the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Relief International, and the National Organization for Migration under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. 

This project signifies a major step forward in safeguarding the well-being of Afghan refugees and host community women and girls in Iran. By improving access to essential services and promoting self-reliance, the project will empower Afghan refugees and contribute to a more dignified and secure future for them and their host communities.