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July, observed as Men's Month, passed without adequate attention or minimal activity aimed at encouraging men to openly discuss their fears, social pressures, and difficulties. Nevertheless, men continue to account for a disproportionately high number of suicide deaths, while women suffer more from gender-based violence. Both situations underscore the need for meaningful conversations and continuous support.

Men's Month in South Africa passed without widespread public discussion or visible commitments regarding issues affecting men. This month was established to encourage men to openly share their problems, support each other, and counter the social challenges that continue to impact individuals, families, and communities.

South Africa continues to face alarmingly high levels of violence, gender-based violence, femicide, and suicide. While women disproportionately bear the burden of gender-based violence and femicide, men are represented in higher numbers in suicide statistics.

These realities point to a crisis of emotional well-being and a culture of violence that cannot be ignored. Although several organizations provide safe spaces for discussing mental health, fatherhood, relationships, and personal growth, their efforts remain overshadowed by a culture that still discourages vulnerability. Harmful beliefs, such as 'men don't cry,' persist across generations, causing many men to suppress anger, grief, and anxiety until these emotions manifest destructively.

Seeking help should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. Whether through counseling, religious communities, trusted friends, or support groups, asking for help is an act of courage. Every man must know that seeking support before a crisis develops is far better than suffering in silence.

As South Africa begins Women's Month, it is equally important to recognize that celebrating women's achievements or advocating for their rights does not diminish men. Similarly, when men address their own issues, it should not be seen as competition with women.

The country's social problems cannot be solved by pitting men against women. They require empathy, accountability, and partnership. A healthier society depends on men who possess emotional resilience, are willing to seek help when needed, and strive to be positive role models in their homes and communities.

Men's Month must not pass in silence again. It must become a starting point for honest conversations, meaningful action, and renewed commitment to building healthier men, stronger families, and safer communities.

The 27th International Iranian Health Exhibition will take place in Tehran, the country's largest specialized event in the healthcare sector. The exhibition will be held from August 8 to 11 at the Permanent International Exhibition of Tehran.

The event will gather leading knowledge-based companies and enterprises in the fields of medical, dental, and laboratory equipment, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and digital health. The exhibition will provide a platform to showcase the latest technological advancements and will promote industry cooperation.

Iran Health is recognized as the second-largest regional exhibition dedicated to medical, dental, laboratory, and pharmaceutical equipment and services. The annual event attracts a wide range of interested industry stakeholders and serves as a professional venue for domestic and international companies wishing to present advanced technologies, products, and innovations in the healthcare sector, according to ISNA.

The exhibition also plays a key role in determining market trends and assessing the future direction of the healthcare industry, thereby contributing to the development of advanced medical technologies and services. Various sectors will be represented among the exhibitors, including medical devices, healthcare solutions, diagnostic imaging, digital health technologies, and medical tourism.

The 27th edition of Iran Health is expected to give participants the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, expand technological cooperation, and strengthen ties within Iran's medical innovation ecosystem. The four-day event is scheduled to feature companies operating in the fields of medical and dental equipment, laboratory technologies, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and digital health.

Iran as a Regional Leader in Healthcare

In May 2025, the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) stated that Iran is a leading country in expanding its healthcare system and ensuring access to universal health coverage. Hanan Balkhi highly praised the country's achievements in recent years, noting that through the expansion of primary healthcare, increased access to medical care in rural areas, maintenance of high vaccination rates, and reduction in maternal and infant mortality, Iran has become a successful model for emulation in the region, according to the Ministry of Health website.

These statements were made during a meeting with Minister of Health Mohammad-Reza Zaferkandi, which took place on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA).

Self-Sufficiency in Medicine and Medical Equipment is a Priority

The issue of drug and medical equipment production, as well as self-sufficiency in these areas, is one of the government priorities, stated Zaferkandi in March 2025. He emphasized that medicine and medical equipment are two important spheres concerning people's health, adding: 'We strive to achieve self-sufficiency in the supply of medicines and medical equipment,' reported IRNA.

In 2024, the head of the Association of Iranian Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters reported that medical equipment is exported to over 60 countries annually. According to Abdolreza Yakubzadeh, more than 70 percent of medical equipment and 100 percent of standard hospital beds are produced domestically. Furthermore, over 95 percent of specialized Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Critical Care Unit (CCU) beds, as well as over 85 percent of operating room medical equipment, such as ventilators and other equipment, are manufactured in the country using advanced technologies.

Approximately 600 companies operate in the country that manufacture medical equipment, providing production for about 99 percent of drugs supplied to the domestic market. Medical equipment manufacturers in the country produce and supply over 10,000 types of medical equipment for both domestic and foreign markets. Currently, various types of laboratory equipment are produced at prices significantly lower than comparable foreign goods.