Cooperation between China and Iran in addiction medicine: opportunities, challenges and strategies

Traditional herbal therapy, which targets multiple systems and mechanisms, is considered effective in relieving withdrawal symptoms and preventing addiction relapse with minimal side effects.2 3 It also has a rehabilitative effect on physical issues caused by long-term drug use, including improvements in immune function and working memory and the prevention of neurological diseases.4 The continuous application of traditional medical therapies in China and Iran has preliminarily proven effective in addiction treatment in Western countries, demonstrating the potential benefits of integrating traditional practices into modern medicine. China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative provides opportunities for collaboration in the field of addiction medicine between China and Iran Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative has significantly enhanced collaboration between China and countries along the route in various areas, including healthcare, and has had a significant impact on the global health landscape.5 Subsequent high-level meetings have outlined the scope for the collaboration between China, participating countries and international organisations in this initiative.6 The initiative aims to establish four networks, including public health, policy research, hospital alliances and the health industry, covering areas such as health security, maternal and child health, health policy, health systems, hospital management, human resources, medical research and traditional medicine. [...]the cooperation between China and Iran in the field of addiction medicine is expected to be strengthened and expanded, providing new impetus and opportunities for the development of global addiction science. [...]the lack of addiction medicine professionals familiar with the bilateral cultural and legal environments is a major bottleneck for China–Iran cooperation.