An African Health Minister Awarded as a 'Best Health Minister' in the World

H.E Minister of Health for Senegal, Dr. Awa Marrie receiving an honor from H.E Vice-president and Prime minister of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid  

Dr. Awa Marie Coll Seck who is the Minister for Health of the Republic of Senegal since 2012 has been awarded ‘The Best Minister for Health in the World’ at the World Government Summit held in Dubai on Sunday 12th Feb. 2017, after competing 8 other Ministers of Health whom have been short-listed for the candidacy of this award out of the 20 of World Health Ministers who were finally selected to run for this honor based on a result made from world-wide survey.

 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai presented the award to Her Excellency Awa Marie Coll Seck for her work in stopping Malaria and limiting Ebola from spreading locally and internationally. Senegal was largely able to avoid the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, recording just one case of the deadly virus. It was was declared Ebola free in October 2015.

 In its second edition, this year's award focused on developing countries due to the challenges their governments face as a result of scarce resources and limited technological capabilities, which make success more recognizable.

The winner was chosen based on a set of criteria that included innovative leadership, quality and impact, ease of replicating strategies to other governments and integrity inside and outside the country ruled. The award recognizes public servant that have had a significant impact in globally and in their country. It highlights pioneering governmental models and remarkable efforts to shape the future.

Dr. Awa Marie Coll Seck was Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RMB) from 2004-2011 and served as Director of the UNAIDS Department of Country and Regional Support from 1996-2001. She was Minister of Health and Prevention of Senegal from 2001 to 2003. Dr Coll Seck was elected as chairperson of Committee B of the World Health Assembly and also as president of the Assembly of the Ministries of Health of the West African Health Organization in 2002.

 She has been awarded numerous professional and academic honours, including the Knight of the Order of Merit of the French Republic, Chevalier, Ordre des Palmes académiques; Officer of the Order of Merit Senegalese; and Knight of the Order of Merit of Burkina Faso. She is an honorary member of the Academy of Sciences and Technologies of Senegal and is the author of more than 150 scientific publications. Dr Coll Seck earned her medical degree from the University of Dakar in 1978.


 



Source: Khaleej Times