On 27 May 2017, Dr. Leila Joudane, UNFPA Representative, Dr. Fardad Doroudi, UNAIDS Country Director, along with H.E Mr. Ian Biggs, Ambassador and Mr. William Lodder, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Australia in the Islamic Republic of Iran paid a visit to a counselling center for behavioral diseases and a Positive Club in Shahriar, approximately 40 km Southwest of Tehran. The visit was organized jointly by UNFPA, UNADIDS,  and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to present HIV programmes of the IRI to representatives of selected donor countries.

From left: Dr. Leila Joudane, Dr. Monire Bassir, Ambassador Ian Biggs, Mr. William Lodder, Mrs. Biggs and Dr. Fardad Doroudi

During the visit, the staff of the positive Club presented the services of the center, which consist of identifying high-risk population, providing harm reduction services, SRH and PMTC programmes, as well as counselling services. After the presentation the visitors looked at the various sections of the center and had the chance to meet and have discussions with PLHIV. While expressing their satisfaction with the services provided by the center, they mentioned some challenges that they were facing. 

Dr. Joudane and Mr. Biggs were impressed by the dedication of the staff and the quality of services provided and mentioned that they will hold further discussions on how to support the excellent work done by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education with regard to HIV prevention activities.