The world has noticed Kerala for its commendable job in tackling the pandemic over the past months.
For the very reason, the state’s model in healthcare has been bestowed with a United Nations award for its “outstanding contribution” towards the non-communicable diseases-related sustainable development goals.
World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday made the announcement of the UN Interagency Task Force (UNIATF) award on prevention and control of non-communicable diseases this year.
Pleased to present awards at the Interagency Task Force to #BeatNCDs side event at #UNGA to those that have helped us save lives – thank you for joining @WHO in the fight to reduce deaths from cancer, diabetes, heart & lung diseases, & mental health conditions. https://t.co/s4Sq1B6vYp pic.twitter.com/YzJUckp8Hj
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 24, 2020
The award recognizes achievements during 2019 on the multi-sector action in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the wider sustainable development goals related to it.
A press release by the Kerala government said that the award was a recognition of the lifestyle disease control mechanism in Kerala, and the treatment and free services received by a large section of the population.
“In addition, the state-of-the-art lung disease control program, cancer treatment program, and paralysis control program were also considered for the award,” the statement read.
Kerala has been recognized for the annual award for the very first time.
Kerala has bagged the UN award for its multi sectoral approach in the prevention and control of non communicable diseases. The announcement has been made by WHO.
— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) September 25, 2020
In June, K. K. Shailaja, Health Minister of Kerala was honored by the United Nations for her efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. She was also chosen for a speech on the occasion of the United Nations Public Service Day. The health minister congratulated all the health workers in the state and said the award was recognition of their tireless service.
“The state government has arranged facilities from the basic public health centers to hospitals at all levels to treat the lifestyle diseases. We were able to control the death rate during the Covid-19 period as we were able to focus on the NCDs (non-communicable diseases),” she said in a statement.