Zarif Thanks WHO for Assisting Iran in Fight against Coronavirus
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif thanked the World Health Organization (WHO) and friendly nations for their solidarity with Iran in combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak amid US sanctions against the country.
“Grateful to @WHO & friendly nations for solidarity in fighting #COVID19—in face of US #EconomicTerrorism, which has endangered Iranian patients. Urgent need in Iran for: - N95 Face & 3-Layer Masks - Ventilators - Surgical Gowns - Coronavirus Test Kits - PPF - Face/Body Shields,” Zarif tweeted late on Monday.
It came after Iran earlier in the day received the first planeload of assistance from the WHO, including eight tons of medicines and test kits, to help the country in its battle against the new coronavirus outbreak.
A United Arab Emirates military aircraft carrying the aid landed at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on Monday. Representatives of the UN's health agency have also arrived in Iran to examine the country's handling of the virus.
The WHO supplies, which are worth more than $300,000, include gloves, surgical masks and respirators.
Iran’s Health Ministry on Monday said the disease has claimed 66 lives and infected 1,501 others so far. Also 291 people have fully recovered.
