Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Sun, Jul 26, 2026
[Archive]
Volume 40, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Haghdoost A A, Sharifi H, Jahani Y, Haji-Maghsoudi S, Baneshi M R. A Decade of Discovery: Methodological Innovation, Capacity Building, and Global Leadership in Hidden Population Research in Iran. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026; 40 (1) :585-589
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9980-en.html
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9980-en.html
Center for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia , m.baneshi@uq.edu.au
Abstract: (156 Views)
Background: In the early 2010s, Iran lacked reliable estimates of key populations at increased risk of HIV, including people who inject drugs, female sex workers, and men who have sex with men. This information gap limited evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of HIV prevention programs.
Methods: This paper reviews the development and achievements of Iran’s population size estimation program over more than a decade. Drawing on program records, published studies, training activities, and policy contributions, we summarise the program’s impact across research, education, and policy domains.
Results: Research centres structured under the Institute for Futures Studies in Health (affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences) combined expertise in modelling and public health to establish a national population size estimation program. The program generated population size estimates for key populations across Iran, produced a substantial body of scientific evidence, trained researchers and public health practitioners, strengthened institutional capacity, and contributed to HIV-related policy and planning. Its standing was further reinforced through regional recognition of the HIV/STI Surveillance Research Centre as a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for HIV Surveillance.
Conclusion: The Iranian population size estimation program demonstrates how sustained collaboration between modelling and public health researchers can generate evidence, build national capacity, strengthen institutions, and support public health policy. The program provides a model for developing similar initiatives in other settings.
Methods: This paper reviews the development and achievements of Iran’s population size estimation program over more than a decade. Drawing on program records, published studies, training activities, and policy contributions, we summarise the program’s impact across research, education, and policy domains.
Results: Research centres structured under the Institute for Futures Studies in Health (affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences) combined expertise in modelling and public health to establish a national population size estimation program. The program generated population size estimates for key populations across Iran, produced a substantial body of scientific evidence, trained researchers and public health practitioners, strengthened institutional capacity, and contributed to HIV-related policy and planning. Its standing was further reinforced through regional recognition of the HIV/STI Surveillance Research Centre as a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for HIV Surveillance.
Conclusion: The Iranian population size estimation program demonstrates how sustained collaboration between modelling and public health researchers can generate evidence, build national capacity, strengthen institutions, and support public health policy. The program provides a model for developing similar initiatives in other settings.
: Review Article |
Subject:
Epidemiology
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
