Iran’s Ministry of Health and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) have formalized a partnership to broaden the use of nuclear technology in healthcare, with a focus on controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The agreement, signed by Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi and AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami, aims primarily to reduce populations of the Aedes mosquito species, which are vectors for diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
The collaboration centers on employing the sterile insect technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly pest control method. This approach involves mass-rearing male mosquitoes, sterilizing them using gamma or X-ray irradiation, and subsequently releasing them into the environment. Sterilized males mate with wild female mosquitoes but produce no offspring, leading to a significant decline in the mosquito population over time.
As part of the agreement, Iran plans to establish a specialized center for mass-rearing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and to conduct pilot and field trials to assess the effectiveness of the SIT method. The AEOI will supply irradiation equipment, provide technical training and support, and ensure maintenance and operational reliability of the technology.
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are recognized carriers of several viral infections in Iran, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. These mosquitoes thrive in small, stagnant water sources such as bowls, cups, and containers, making their control a persistent challenge. Aedes aegypti is considered the more invasive and prevalent species within the country. It was first detected in Hormozgan province in 2019 and has since been found in Sistan-Baluchestan, Bushehr, and Fars provinces. Meanwhile, Aedes albopictus has been reported in northern and northwestern provinces including Gilan, Mazandaran, Ardabil, East Azerbaijan, and Zanjan.
Dengue fever, transmitted primarily by these mosquitoes, has multiple infectious phases and can spread not only through mosquito bites but also via blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Symptoms range widely; approximately 40 to 80 percent of infected individuals experience mild or no symptoms. Public health advice in affected regions recommends wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito activity hours—morning and late afternoon—to reduce bites.
Globally, dengue poses a significant health risk, with the World Health Organization estimating 100 to 400 million infections annually and around half of the world’s population at risk. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, but early detection and proper medical care reduce mortality rates.
Sanitation and vector control remain critical components of dengue prevention, with effective measures capable of reducing cases by up to 70 percent. Iran’s adoption of nuclear technology through the sterile insect technique represents a scientific approach to tackling the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases within the country.