World Health Organisation (WHO) has presented an award to Maldives for controlling congenital rubella syndrome.
The award was presented to Maldives during the concluding ceremony of the 72nd WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia held in New Delhi, India. Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen accepted the award on behalf of Maldives.
Maldives had not only eradicated rubella but has also got rid of diseases such as polio, malaria, filaria and measles. Previously, WHO had honoured Maldives achievements on the eradication of these diseases from the country.
The WHO conference also focused on an action plan to eradicate tuberculosis and cervical cancer from South-East Asia region. The Maldivian delegation met with their counterparts from Thailand on the sidelines of the conference and discussed the areas Maldives need assistance.
The week-long conference was attended by health ministers and experts from member nations to deliberate on public health issues and work towards elimination of diseases. Eight health ministers from the 11 countries of WHO South-East Asian Region (SEAR) were among others who were present at inaugural session.