Health transition in Iran: evidence and implications

Mohsen Naghavi, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, IRI
Mohammad Mirzaie, University of Tehran

Over the past two decades the IRI has succeeded in improving the health status of its citizens. The result has been the emergence of a new pattern of morbidity and mortality in which non- communicable diseases and accidents have replaced communicable diseases. Using the findings of a recently completed comprehensive study on mortality by causes of death this paper documents the course and main features of health transition in Iran. Emerging patterns of morbidity and mortality by age, sex and urban-rural status are presented and regional variations are underlined. The data leaves no doubt that Iran is going through a rapid period of health transition with adult, working-age population bearing the brunt of the new pattern of mortality and morbidity. Short and long-term consequences and implications of the new pattern for health policy design and the future development of health and social security system of Iran are then considered.