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WHO lauds Ministry of Health Tsunami Efforts
SEA/PR/1412
20 December 2005
New Delhi,
20, December 2005: The efforts made by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare Government of India, during and after the tsunami of 26 December
2004, have been lauded by World Health Organization. A plaque and a citation from WHO Regional
Director, Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, were presented to the Union Minister of
Health and Family Welfare, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss today at a special ceremony.
In the citation, Dr Samlee noted, “The absence of any
disease outbreaks reflect the concerted efforts by the Government of India,
state authorities, development partners, United Nations agencies and
nongovernmental organizations”. WHO is
a close ally of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and in the post-
tsunami period, WHO had worked in close partnership to provide technical
support, where needed.
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, WHO
South-East Asia Region presented the plaque
and the citation. She praised the
Ministry’s response to the disaster which successfully helped to overcome
formidable challenges. Dr Poonam Singh
also pointed out that the strength of the response was the ability of the
States to mobilize people to assist in various capacities during the
emergency phase.
The Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Anbumani
Ramadoss expressed his appreciation for WHO’s
recognition of the work undertaken by the Union Ministry and by the state
health sectors in the country, particularly as India relied on its own resources
and capacities in responding to the tsunami.
For further information please contact: Mrs. Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey,
Public Information and Advocacy Officer, SEARO, New Delhi, Tel: 91-11-23370971,
+91-9811021001 or +91-9810695878 Email:
pandeyh@whosea.org
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