In this meeting, Dr. Rainak Ghaderi, the head of Academic Relations and International Affairs, welcomed the guests and elaborated on Razi Institute's century-long activities to control and eradicate many life-threatening diseases. He also talked about the Joint meeting of Razi Institute and WHO in the Fourth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention. 

Dr. Ali Es-haghi, Director General of Razi Institute, while welcoming the guests, appreciated the WHO office in Tehran for its unwavering help in receiving Vaccine Vial Monitor (VVM) and asked for more cooperation between Razi Institute and the WHO. Vaccinal strains such as IPV and new technology to manufacture vaccines, standard transfer, and capacity building for Razi Institute were among the requests of Razi Institute from WHO. He also indicated that the collaborative achievement was the result of concerted efforts across multiple levels. He mentioned that Razi Serum Vaccine Research Institute, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, WHO Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran, WHO Headquarters, and the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) worked tirelessly for nearly two years to navigate a complex procurement process. According to him, the initiative began in November 2022 following Dr. Hamid Jafari, Polio Director at EMRO, mission to Iran in August 2022.

Dr. Es-haghi also noted that in December 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Razi Institute and the WHO country office, formalizing the purchase of these essential supplies for use inside the country.

Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasized the importance of this achievement: “Securing these VVMs is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines. It reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all in the world and in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He also mentioned” VVMs play a pivotal role in validating the Standard cold chain condition for maintaining vaccine potency and efficacy. Placed on the vaccine vials, these indicator labels ensure that vaccines remain within the optimal temperature range during storage and transportation. By safeguarding the health of children, they contribute significantly to the global effort to eradicate polio”.