Ministry of Health gets WHO award

Ministry of Health gets WHO award

JAKARTA: The Ministry of Health has received an award from the
World Health Organization (WHO) for its efforts in dealing with
the Dec. 26 tsunami that devastated Aceh province.

WHO regional director for Southeast Asia Samlee Plianbangchang
praised the Ministry's response to the disaster that successfully
overcome formidable challenges.

"The absence of any disease outbreaks reflects the concerted
efforts by the government, the health and related sectors as well
as by development partners, United Nations agencies and non-
governmental organizations," Samlee told the award ceremony at
the ministry on Tuesday.

Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari said it was an honor to
be recognized, particularly because her office was criticized for
lacking coordination.

"The health system in Aceh has not yet fully recovered, but
it's getting better," she said. -- JP