World Polio Day: Razi Institute’s Historic Contribution to Polio Vaccine Production in Iran
24 October | World Polio Day
World Polio Day provides an opportunity to recognize the scientific achievements and sustained efforts of vaccine researchers and specialists in preventing infectious diseases and advancing the global effort toward a polio-free world. Vaccine production and large-scale immunization programs have been fundamental to this progress.
Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute: A Legacy of Vaccine Production and Public Health Protection
The Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, one of Iran’s pioneering vaccine-producing institutions, has played an important role in the production of oral polio vaccine and in supporting the country’s immunization program. The Institute began producing oral polio vaccine in 1975, contributing to the development of Iran’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity.
Razi’s oral polio vaccine has been part of the national effort to control and eradicate the disease in Iran. This experience illustrates the strategic importance of domestic scientific expertise and vaccine production in disease prevention, reducing reliance on external supplies, and strengthening national health security.
The interruption of polio transmission in Iran has depended on coordinated public health measures, including widespread immunization, epidemiological surveillance, and collaboration between the healthcare system and vaccine-producing institutions. This achievement underscores the continuing importance of investment in science, technology, and sustainable vaccine manufacturing.
On World Polio Day, the Secretariat of the 1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination (ICVV 2026) recognizes the contributions of generations of researchers and specialists and emphasizes the need to strengthen national scientific and technological capabilities, advance sustainable vaccine production, and promote international cooperation against infectious diseases.
Razi Institute: A legacy of vaccine science and production in service of public health and a future free from preventable diseases.