AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The International Pasteur Network, in a statement expressing renewed concern over the damage inflicted upon Iran's Pasteur Institute following enemy attacks, warned about the consequences of disrupting the activities of this scientific and health institution on the process of detection, monitoring, and response to current and emerging health threats in Iran and the region.
The International Pasteur Network announced in a statement, "The reported damage to Iran's Pasteur Institute, as one of the most important scientific and public health institutions, has caused serious concern for the network, and the impact of recent events on Iran's scientific and health infrastructure is regrettable."
The statement, citing international scientific reports, including an article published in the journal Science, noted that the escalation of hostilities has had significant effects on Iranian universities and research institutions, impacting the country's academic and public health infrastructure.
The International Pasteur Network, recalling that Iran's Pasteur Institute was established in 1900 and is a long-standing member of the network, emphasized, "This institution, through its national reference laboratories, World Health Organization collaborating centers, disease surveillance systems, biobanks, and production of essential items, plays a vital role in ensuring public health at the national, regional, and global levels."
The statement continued, "Damage or disruption to such infrastructure could have consequences beyond national borders, as the reduced capacity of public health institutions to detect disease outbreaks, disruption of essential public health functions, and weakened preparedness to combat emerging infectious threats are among the potential consequences."
The Pasteur Network also emphasized that the protection of health and scientific institutions is of great importance for the continuity of the health system's functioning, particularly in crisis situations, and that the continued operation of these centers, in addition to supporting national health systems, plays a decisive role in preventing and responding to cross-border health threats.
According to this report, Mario Moreira, the President of the Pasteur Network, also stated in this release, "The reported damage to Iran's Pasteur Institute is deeply concerning. This institution plays a vital role in supporting public health in Iran and the region, and any disruption to its capacities could affect the ability to detect, monitor, and respond to current and emerging threats."
In conclusion, the International Pasteur Network, while appreciating the efforts of the staff of Iran's Pasteur Institute to maintain diagnostic and public health activities under difficult circumstances, emphasized its support for this institution and the continuation of scientific and health cooperation with it.
Iran's Pasteur Institute is one of the oldest and most important scientific and health centers in the country, established in 1900. For over a century, it has been active in the fields of research, vaccine production, infectious disease control, reference laboratories, and public health surveillance. The institute is recognized as a long-standing member of the International Pasteur Network and was targeted in an attack in the early hours of April 2, 2026. According to published reports, the attack caused damage to parts of the center.
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