“We thank Philippine Information Agency for helping us, since all our health programs are (done) in cooperation with PIA,” said Dr. Antonio Paraiso, REDCOP’S program manager.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute’s Renal Disease Control Program (NKTI-REDCOP) won the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Health Foundation Prize for 2012, tying with China’s Doctor Chen Bowen for the prestigious award given by World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Aileen Riego-Javier, program director of REDCOP, received a letter on February 23 informing her that the WHO executive board had given the award to REDCOP for its outstanding contribution to health development. The award ceremony is scheduled on May 24 at the Assembly Hall of Palais des Nations in Geneva, where Riego-Javier was invited to speak. Prizes include a certificate of award, a plaque and US$20,000.

Paraiso said that “this award recognizes our efforts in promoting health all throughout the country.”

He praised Dr. Remedios Uriarte, former program manager, and Dr. Enrique Ona, former program director and now health secretary, pointing out that it was during their time when the program was implemented fully. “It was only during our time when it was recognized, but they are the ones who fully supported and took care of the program,” he added.

Paraiso assured everyone that they would live up to the new challenge offered by winning the award.

The UAE Health Foundation Prize Award is given to persons, institutions, non-governmental organizations and government organizations that have accomplished notable advances in the field of health promotion as included in the global strategy of free health for all. (NKTI-PIA/DOS-PIA4B)

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