12/04/2026
SUNDAY NEWS! 📰
Invisible Millions: Healthcare on the Margins in Iran
Iran hosts around 4.5 million displaced people, including 2.6 million Afghans, yet only a small portion are officially registered. The rest often live in the shadows, facing daily challenges—not least when it comes to accessing something as fundamental as healthcare. Stigma, exclusion, lack of identification, and financial hardship often prevent people from seeking or receiving treatment. This is where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) steps in.
In South Tehran, one of the city’s most underserved areas, MSF provides hepatitis C testing and treatment in drug rehabilitation centres, alongside sexual and reproductive healthcare for Afghan women.
In Mashhad, near the Afghan border, MSF brings healthcare directly to communities through mobile clinics, with medical consultations, infectious disease screening, health education, counselling, social support, and a clinic serving many Afghan refugees in the Golshahr district.
In Kerman province, MSF is the only organisation providing direct healthcare to Afghan refugees, offering basic care, specialist referrals, and clinics for new and unregistered arrivals, covering everything from chronic illnesses to mental health support.
MSF’s work became significantly more challenging at the beginning of this year, as the escalation of conflict in Iran in February intensified humanitarian needs across the country. Following the outbreak of the conflict, MSF quickly responded by donating medical supplies for 500 patients, along with essential relief items for displaced people including 5,000 blankets, 4,000 pillows, and thousands of hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo, and sanitary pads.
However, the situation remains complex. MSF’s clinic in South Tehran is temporarily closed but will reopen with a more specialised focus, while activities in Mashhad and Kerman continue with reduced staff. MSF are waiting for approval to expand emergency care, keep clinics open 24/7, and support the local health system.
Humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing. MSF remains committed to reaching those most in need.
Read more here: https://www.msf.org/iran