Tasnim � Iran�s Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Legal Affairs Mohsen Baharvand and Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Jagan Chapagain exchanged views about ways to fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic.

During the meeting held in the Swiss city of Geneva, the two officials also held talks about plans on how the IFRC can help deliver the necessary medical supplies to Iran, including the coronavirus diagnostic test kits and the personal protective equipment used by the medical staff.

In his remarks, Baharvand said the Islamic Republic has always tried to dissociate the humanitarian issues from political disputes, while the current US administration, particularly the US secretary of state, seeks to take political advantage of a humanitarian issue in �an immoral and unprofessional measure�, and is even spreading lies about it.

The novel coronavirus epidemic is not confined to a specific nation and could turn into a global challenge, the diplomat said, adding that therefore, it is necessary to combat it globally.

In a statement on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi outlined the measures taken by the Iranian Foreign Ministry to assist the hardworking Iranian healthcare and medical sector in the battle with the COVID-19.

According to Iran�s Health Ministry, the number of people who have died from the coronavirus in the country has risen to 26 and the total number of confirmed cases to 245.

Medical staff in 20 provinces of Iran have been working tirelessly over the past week to contain the novel coronavirus that has originated from China.

At least 54 patients in Iran have recovered from the disease so far.