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