A Historical Investigation into Combatting Malaria in Iran: 1948–1967 (First to Third Construction Projects)

Malaria is a dangerous disease that was considered one of the leading causes of mortality in Iran up to Pahlavi II period. The small and weak population of Iran could not enjoy favorable economic conditions because of the disease. Therefore, overcoming this social and economic weakness became a strong motivation for combatting malaria. These efforts became more concentrated by founding Planning Organization in 1948. The Organization for Combatting Malaria (the main executor of the plan) managed to achieve impressive results up to the end of the third construction project in 1967. They curbed malaria in some parts of the country and continued efforts despite the enormous obstacles in the path. Keeping malaria in check made improvement in public health to some extent and raised people’s hope that other health problems might be resolved. Mortality rate dropped and work force achieved recovery. This paper investigated combatting malaria from 1948 to 1967 and addressed its obstacles, approaches and achievements. Accordingly, research questions were answered through content analysis and deductive reasoning. The major sources used were reports released by the state, particularly the reports of Planning Organization and Ministry of Health, as well as old magazines.