Continuity of access to HIV medicines is central to protecting the health of people living with HIV during periods of disruption. In the context of the recent military escalation in Iran, flight suspensions and cancelled shipments disrupted deliveries of medicines ordered before the crisis. These challenges compounded existing procurement constraints associated with sanctions, placing national stocks of some HIV medicines at risk of depletion and raising concerns about continued access to treatment.

Through its Global Fund-supported HIV project, UNDP mobilized coordinated efforts to secure the delivery of priority medicines. The UNDP team from different sectors worked together to explore alternative transport arrangements as established shipping routes became unavailable.

By adapting logistics arrangements and exploring land, air and combined routes, UNDP enabled 871,926 units of HIV medicines procured through the Global Fund-supported project to reach Iran in time to replenish national stocks and address the immediate risk of shortages. This joint response helped safeguard the availability of HIV medicines at a critical moment.

The experience highlights the importance of flexible logistics and collaboration across UNDP in responding to supply disruptions during crisis. By finding alternative ways to deliver essential medicines, UNDP’s contribution strengthened the resilience of HIV medicine supply chains and supported continuity of treatment for people living with HIV in Iran.