The heads of delegations of seven South-East Asia Region (SEAR) countries including Bhutan received the public health achievement awards during an event at the 71st session of the Regional Committee (RC) in New Delhi in India on September 4.

Interim Advisor to the health ministry, Kinley Yangzom received the awards for rubella and congenital rubella syndrome control.

Regional director WHO SEAR office, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh awarded a citation and an informational tool kit to the head of delegations.

Health ministries of Nepal, Sir Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives and Timor – Leste received the award for rubella and congenital rubella syndrome control  while Ministry of Public Health of DPR Korea, and Ministry of Health of Timor-Leste received the award for measles elimination.

WHO SEARO said that these achievements would not have been possible without the hard work put in by them, as well as by the frontline health workers in the countries.

“We would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to the expanded programme on immunisation, surveillance and laboratory colleagues in all these countries,” it said. “We also take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all health workers and partners for the contribution to support the health ministry and WCO country teams.” 

Staff reporter