The Republic of Korea donates 1 million masks to protect Iranian health personnel against COVID-19

Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran – As COVID-19 lingers in Iran, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, is grateful for the timely donation of 1,000,000 face masks by the Republic of Korea, which will help protect health personnel and patients at hospitals and health facilities in refugee-hosting areas.

The masks, part of a larger donation that the Republic of Korea made to UNHCR in several other countries, recently arrived in Tehran and will be distributed country-wide to help prevent the spread of the virus, with the support of our Iranian government counterpart, the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (BAFIA).

So far in 2021 – and much like in 2020 – the number of refugees approaching UNHCR with worrying concerns for their health conditions remains high. An increasing number are requesting urgent assistance to afford healthcare costs and to make ends meet. Despite their own challenges, Iran has continued to show exemplary solidarity with refugees amidst the pandemic, by maintaining refugees’ access to primary healthcare services throughout the outbreak and ensuring those who are enrolled in the national health insurance scheme can get free of charge COVID-testing, treatment, and hospitalization.

To mark the occasion, the Republic of Korea and UNHCR carried out a hand-over visit yesterday in Tehran.

“Over more than a year into the pandemic, the lesson is that this global crisis cannot be overcome without solidarity and international cooperation. In this regard, my Government humbly hopes this donation today contributes to win this fight against COVID-19. And again, the Republic of Korea formally reaffirms our commitment to its constructive role to this end” said Mr. Sang-Kyoo Nam, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

This donation from the Republic of Korea comes at a crucial time in support of Iran, ensuring there is no disruption of healthcare services.

“UNHCR is very grateful to the Republic of Korea for the generous donation of 1 million face masks. These masks are being distributed to medical facilities across the country, and hospitals, and health centers. These masks will help ensure that health personnel, as well as patients, are safe and protected” says Ms. Irina Korenyak, Deputy Representative of UNHCR Iran.

The Republic of Korea is one of the biggest donors to UNHCR in support of Afghan refugees. From 2018 to 2020, the Republic of Korea generously donated 6 million USD to UNHCR towards “Protection and Humanitarian Assistance for Afghan Refugees in Iran”. UNHCR is grateful to the Republic of Korea for tangibly showing increased international responsibility- and burden-sharing, by supporting Iran which has hosted Afghan refugees for over 40.