Iran’s Journey Through Malaria: From Past Challenges to Future Elimination—A Narrative Review

TL;DR

Iran has made significant progress in reducing malaria cases but faces ongoing challenges like cross-border transmission and insecticide resistance.

Contribution

This paper provides a comprehensive narrative review of Iran's malaria control journey and lessons for future elimination.

Findings

Iran reduced indigenous malaria cases to fewer than 300 annually by the mid-2010s.

Malaria resurged in 2022 due to imported infections and operational disruptions.

Integrated vector management and cross-border initiatives were key to earlier success.

Abstract

Malaria remains a persistent public health concern in Iran, particularly in southeastern regions bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan. Despite substantial progress over recent decades, challenges such as cross‐border transmission, insecticide resistance, and health system disruptions continue to threaten elimination goals.

This narrative review synthesized evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) World Malaria Reports, national surveillance summaries, and peer‐reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and Scopus from 2000 to 2025. Emphasis was placed on case trends, intervention coverage, and cross‐border dynamics.

Iran reduced indigenous malaria cases dramatically from thousands in the early 2000s to fewer than 300 annually by the mid‐2010s and subsequently recorded multiple consecutive years with zero indigenous transmission, according to the WHO surveillance reports. Key achievements included integrated vector management, community engagement, and strengthened cross‐border initiatives. However, interruptions during the COVID‐19 pandemic and a resurgence of malaria in 2022, largely associated with imported infections, operational disruptions, and emerging vector threats, highlighted vulnerabilities in elimination‐phase systems. Additional challenges such as insecticide resistance and the spread of Anopheles stephensi further complicate the elimination trajectory.

Iran’s experience illustrates the need for adaptive, multisectoral approaches to malaria control in complex socioecological settings. While elimination remains within reach, achieving the WHO certification will require transparent surveillance metrics, reinforce cross‐border collaboration, and sustain political and financial commitment.

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