Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of 56th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition
Yangon, 7 Feb — Chairman of the Central Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the opening ceremony of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road at 7.15 am today.
At the ceremony, Chairman of the Exhibition Sub-committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein formally opened the exhibition.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed the Central Booth on Flourishing of Union Spirit, State and Division booths, the booth on Panglong Conference for National Unity, the booth on endeavours for flourishing and propagation of Union Spirit and National Unity, booths of ministries, the drug elimination booth, the booth of News and Periodicals Enterprise and computers linking Internet through Bagan Broadband Wireless.
The exhibition will be kept open from 9 am to 5 pm daily up to 15 February. Admission is free.
Third ASEAN ISIS-JCIE-Myanmar ISIS Workshop on Macro-economic Policies and Challenges of Globalization held
Yangon, 7 Feb — A ceremony to open Third ASEAN ISIS-JCIE-Myanmar ISIS Workshop on Macro-economic Policies and Challenges of Globalization was held at Traders Hotel at 9 am today.
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung made an opening speech and Chairman of (JCIE) Dr Tadashi Yamamoto and Representative of (ASEAN-ISIS) Mr Yusuf Wanandi made speeches on the occasion.
After the opening ceremony, the workshop followed. The workshop continues tomorrow.
Third Meeting of the GAEL issues Yangon Declaration
Yangon, 7 Feb — The following is the Yangon Declaration issued today by the Third Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Leprosy.
Yangon Declaration
We, the participants of the Third Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Leprosy, convened at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Yangon, Union of Myanmar, from 6-8 February 2003, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Health, Union of Myanmar.
1. Express appreciation to the Government of the Union of Myanmar for their hospitality and generous support to the meeting.
2. Recall that significant impetus was given to leprosy elimination efforts with the 1991 World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA44.9), in attaining the goal of eliminating leprosy as a public health problem, at the global level at the end of the year 2000.
3. Reaffirm that the global strategy based on applying the public health approach, including fully integrating treatment services within the basic health services and changing the negative image is the best way to achieve and sustain elimination of leprosy.
4. Endorse the strategic Plan for 2003-2005 and the time table to achieve and sustain elimination in all endemic countries, and emphasize the need to accelerate the process of integrating the specialized leprosy-specific structures and provide leprosy services to all communities through the exiting general health services.
5. Note that today leprosy remains a public health problem in only 12 out of 122 countries listed as endemic in 1985. It is hoped that the remaining Countries will achieve the elimination targets on time. The target set to achieve elimination by all countries by the year 2005 may be missed by some countries. Special efforts should be made to assist them in reaching the target.
6. Congratulate the Government of the Union of Myanmar for setting a shining example by effectively applying the global strategy and reaching the national goal of elimination in a most cost-effective manner.
7. Note with gratitude the efforts of the Special Ambassador to GAEL in advocating for leprosy elimination with national authorities of several endemic countries and maintaining the momentum of the Final Push towards elimination.
8. Acknowledge that despite the significant progress made so far, access to services among undeserved populations, particularly for underprivileged groups and women is still unsatisfactory in many endemic countries.
9. Appreciate the efforts made by major endemic countries in the integration of leprosy services.
10. Appreciate the contribution of the Technical Advisory Group and Scientific Working Group for elimination of leprosy for their technical guidance and practical advice to the programme.
11. Reaffirm that the members of the Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy continue to collaborate in line with the recommendations of this meeting, particularly at the country level, in order to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem from every country by the year 2005.
International Relations
Third Meeting of Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy continues
Yangon, 7 Feb—The Third Meeting of Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy continued at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.
Head of Delegation of Mozambique Minister of Health Dr Franisco Songane presided over the meeting and Member of Myanmar delegation Deputy Director (Leprosy) of Health Department Manager of the National Leprosy Elimination Project Dr Kyaw Nyunt Sein reported on challenges and achievements of Myanmar Leprosy Elimination Programmes. Then, members of Myanmar delegation Secretary of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint reported on assistance provided by social organizations for leprosy elimination; Director Dr Than Tun Sein of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar), on research on leprosy elimination; Assistant Health Officer of Singu Township, Mandalay Division, U Aung Shein and Midwife Daw Phyu Phyu Win of Kyaukse Township, on participation of health staff at basic level; Assistant Directors of Health Department Dr Kyaw Myint and Dr Zaw Win, on leprosy elimination project; Actress Daw May Thinza Oo and Daw Maw Maw (Mass Media), on giving educative talks through mass media; Dr Tin Aung of Sagaing Division Regional Official (Leprosy) and Leprosy Monitoring Official of Mawlamyine Township U Nyunt Hlaing, on projects to be carried out region-wise; and Medical Superintendent Dr Myint Myint Thein of YeU Township Hospital in Sagaing Division, on health care services.
Dr Denis Daumerie of CDS/CPE/CEE (Leprosy Group) reported on technical and operational issues relating to Strategic Plan 2002-2005 and global situation and major challenges.
Afterwards, Dr Howard Engers (Ethiopia) of WHO reported on the Scientific Working Group meeting organized by the UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) on leprosy research.
Dr Marijke Becx-Bleumink (Netherlands) reported on the third and fourth Meetings of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Elimination of Leprosy.
The delegates from the Nippon Foundation/Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation, Novartis/Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, the World Bank, MORHAN, Handicap International and Pastoral da Crianca discussed measures being taken for leprosy elimination.
In the afternoon session, those present endorsed the draft Yangon Declaration, followed by a general round of discussions.
Then, Head of Nepalese Delegation Minister of Health Professor Upendra P. Devkota reported on political support for integration; Adviser of Leprosy Elimination Programme Dr S.K. Noordeen of WHO, on paradoxical detection trends; and Dr Clovis Boufleur (Department of Social Action of the National Coordination) of Pastoral da Crianca, on challenges for elimination in the remaining countries.
At the meeting, the delegates from various countries praised the improvement of health standard of Myanmar due to good health care services, community participation and health development tasks, the successful implementation of health care services by health committees at different levels under the guidance of the National Health Committee and cooperation among government bodies and social organizations.
The second day session of the meeting ended in the evening. The third day session of the meeting will be held tomorrow at the same venue.
Director of WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei hosted a dinner in honour of those present at the meeting at the Inya Lake Hotel.
Health Ministers and delegates visit rural health care centre
Yangon, 7 Feb — Delegates to the third meeting of Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy including Health Minister Dr Achmad Sujudi of Indonesia, Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint of Myanmar, Executive Director Dr David Heymann of WHO headquarters, South East Asia Regional Director Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei and Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra, visited the rural health care centre in Indagaw, Bago Township, this morning and viewed the health care services.
Then, responsible officials explained about the measures being taken for health education. Then, the head of Bago Division Health Department explained about the set-up of Bago Division (East) Health Care Services and work being carried out for the public health.
Afterwards, Health Assistant U Aung Khin of Bago Township explained the success of rural health care centres under the Rural Health Care Services Committee in eradication of polio, tuberculosis, malaria and leprosy, and condition of health care services for pregnant women. Then, he introduced the ministers and delegates to members of health committee, staff, and donor organizations. Then, Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint replied to the queries raised by the delegates. The head of Bago Division Health Department presented souvenirs of the rural health care centre to the delegates.
Later, the ministers and delegates cordially greeted those present and posed for a documentary photo together with them.
Contract on sale of Myanmar Tokiwa pencils signed
Yangon, 7 Feb — The Ministry of Education and Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation signed a contract on sale of pencils and coloured pencils for basic education students at a ceremony held at the Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) this afternoon.
Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, directors-general and chairmen of the departments and organizations and Managing Director Mr Fumiyoshi Sakurai of Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation and officials attended the ceremony.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Director-General of Education Planning and Practising Department U Bo Win and Managing Director Mr Fumiyoshi Sakurai of Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation signed the contract and exchanged notes. Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has arranged to distribute the school pencils and coloured pencils in 2003-2004 academic year.
Region
Third Meeting of Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy holds press conference
Leprosy elimination program being implemented in cost effective way under guidance of Head of State, assistance of Health Ministry, public and NGOs
Myanmar has very excellent public health system, Dr David Heymann of WHO
Yangon, 7 Feb — The Third Meeting of Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy of the health ministers of WHO member countries held a press conference at Sedona Hotel here this evening.
First, Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint delivered a welcoming address. He said that Myanmar last year was close to total elimination of leprosy and this year she has reached less than one case per 10,000 population. He said the discussions at the meeting have reached to issue the Yangon Declaration. Then, the floor was given to the journalists.
In answering to questions raised by journalists, Executive Director of World Health Organization (Headquarters) Dr David Heymann said, target has been set in the world to reach 1 case per 10,000 population. It is set by Health Ministers after meeting in Geneva. Last year in Myanmar, that was 1 case per 10,000 population. This month it is 0.9 case per 10,000 people.
Next, Dr Kyaw Myint said Myanmar is a developing country. Under the proper guidance of the Head of State, with the assistance provided by the Ministry of Health and active and enthusiastic participation of the people, the program was implemented in cost effective way. Strenuous efforts were made indeed to achieve this success. Our staff had to go to remote areas and comb the areas thoroughly. It is due to the active public participation and assistance of local authorities and NGOs including Union Solidarity and Development Association and Myanma Maternal and Child Welfare Association and so on. This is in fact the achievement of the State, the Government and the entire people.
Then, Dr Kyaw Nyunt Sein said Mr Sasakawa’s Nippon Foundation is one of the first and foremost foundation who supported Myanmar’s leprosy elimination program. And WHO is the main supporter for our program. Apart from this, the American Leprosy Mission, the Netherlands Leprosy Mission and some other international NGOs are also the participants in the program.
Dr Heymann said leprosy is called one of our neglected diseases. For this reason, there are many international development agencies that have avoided funding the leprosy elimination program. That is why the Nippon Foundation’s assistance is very important. He said leprosy elimination means that will be reduced to a level that we hope we can maintain. So, leprosy elimination will not be finished in 2005. We must continue our efforts. In some countries, where leprosy has been treated and where programs will continue to decrease less than these number. It won’t disappear spontaneously. We must continue to fight against leprosy. There are many other neglected diseases and we need to somehow make sure that we are addressing these diseases along with leprosy. Because there are diseases such as elephantiasis, cholera. Now, Myanmar has a very excellent public health system. She has arrived two years having been free of polio. On 13 February, Myanmar will announce 2 years being free of what we call the wild polio virus. Myanmar just last month reached the global target of elimination for leprosy. Myanmar now is working with increased vigour on TB, and winning international support. South East Asia Regional Director of WHO Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei said I have been to Myanmar for more than ten times since 1981. The health system performed in Myanmar is excellent.
Dr Kyaw Myint said the success achieved by Myanmar in health care system is due to proper guidance of the Head of State, active participation of the people and assistance rendered by USDA, MMCWA, Red Cross Brigade, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, etc. Some countries admitted that in their countries, it would not be possible to get such active participation of the people.
Dr Kyaw Myint said National Health Committee Chairman is Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. He has always been providing directives and leadership in National Health Committee meetings. WHO provides technical assistance and medicines. Nippon Foundation has assisted funds in millions. Other NGOs also gave assistance. And we have active public participation as a mass movement. They are to be attributed.
Dr Heymann said We had a very good trip to the health center Indagaw this morning. In Myanmar, you place very much importance on community action. And community volunteers are taking part in health care activities. This is the way WHO had recommended the community’s participation in health. They decide what is the priority in the community and they then work on those priorities. It cannot be forced from the top down it must come from the community itself. We saw today the perfect example how health care can work because those involved in the community already all the way up to the minister who accompanied me to the health centre today. This is the way the health care must be developed.
Questions were raised by U Aung Shwe Oo of NTV, U Hla Htwe of Antara and Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Director (News) U Hla Tun of NPE, U Nyunt Tin of Fuji TV and Dr Zaw Than of Sankei Shimbun. Also present on the occasion were Special Envoy for Global Elimination of Leprosy President of Nippon Foundation Mr Yohei Sasakawa, directors-general of the departments under the Ministry of Health, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Chief Editor of the Kyemon Daily U Ye Myint Pe, Chief Editor of the New Light of Myanmar U Maung Maung Aye, Deputy Chief Editor U Thein Htut, editors, Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club President U Sao Kai Hpa and members, Bangkok Bureau Chief Mr Suzuki and reporter Mr Koto of Sankei Shimbun News Agency, Bureau Chief Mr Kenichi Tauchi of Tokyo Shimbun News Agency, reporter Mr Hirochi Tanabe of Kyodo News Agency and reporters of The Myanmar Times.
The press conference ended at 5.35 pm.
Commander meets Union Day delegates
Yangon, 7 Feb — Chairman of Management Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe cordially met the delegates of traditional cultural troupes and USDA members from states and divisions who will be attending the 56th Anniversary Union Day ceremony and dinner at No 1 Transit Centre (Bayint-naung) this evening. Chairman of Management Committee Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe cordially greeted them individually on the occasion and left there later in the evening.
Winners of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Competition announced
Yangon, 7 Feb — The winner list of the tenth Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Competition was announced today. In the collected poem genre, Maung Ohn Thaung (Magway) won the first prize for “Layeiksanpyar Pankabyar”, Maung Soe Myat (ChaungU) the second prize for “Mahnyoe Panwai U-yinmyay” and Thu Yein Kyaw (Kyauknaga) the third prize for “Pantadah and Achar Kabyarmyar”.
In the collected short story genre, Twingyitha Tin Win Oo won the second prize for “Yinhtaung Yinhswe Hsaungmye Ohlwegar and Achar Wuthtutomyar” and Pathein Yan Naung Soe the third for “Thudoh Kosar Wuthtutomyar”.
In the treatise literature genre, U Myat Kyaw (Myanmarsar Commission) secured the first prize for “Myanma Porana Meiklinson Dictionary”, Maung Min the second for “Ludu Pyinnyar” and Ma Yin Kyay (Kyaunggon) the third for “To Dawei, Myeik, Kawthoung and Taninthayi Islands”.
In the research literature genre, Aung Nyein Gyan (Mann Tekkatho) won the first prize for “Takhauk Takhar Mekkhayathoh Laryauk Segyinbarthi”, Maung Chit Htwe (MA) the second for “Kantha Kinmyo” and Tin Tun the third for “Interested places at Ancient City Pakhangyi and its environs”.
No winner could be selected in the novel genre. The Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Scrutinizing Committee selected writer U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) as winner of Life-long Literary Award for 2002.
The lists of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Scholarship Award and scholarship award winners of Universities of Culture will be announced. The prize presentation ceremony will be held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street at 9 am on 22 February 2003.
The winners are to contact the Chief Editor, Sarpay Beikman, No 529-531, Merchant Street, Tel: 252560, 240048 and 283434 as soon as possible.
Union Day delegates from States and Divisions arrive
Yangon, 7 Feb — Union Day delegates to the 56th Anniversary Union Day ceremony comprising the members of traditional cultural troupes and the Union Solidarity and Development Association arrived here by Myanma Railways today.
A total of 205 delegates including 37 members of cultural troupe and 4 members of USDA from Kachin State, 7 USDA members from Mandalay Division, 49 members of cultural troupe and 8 members of USDA from Shan State (East) and (South), 6 USDA members from Shan State (North), 39 cultural troupe members and 4 USDA members from Kayin State, and 40 cultural troupe members and 3 USDA members form Mon State arrived here today. Eight delegates of USDA members from Sagaing Division arrived yesterday morning.
Chairman of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Reception and Accommodation Sub-committee Commander of Yangon Station Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials, members of USDA and social organizations welcomed them at Yangon Railway Station.
Kyaikkaloh Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya begins
The 41st Buddha Pujaniya of historic Kyaikkaloh Pagoda was opened at the prayer hall of the pagoda in Mingaladon Township on 30 January. Present were Ovadaçariya Sayadaws of the pagoda, Tactical Operations Commander Col Than Htut, Mingaladon Station Commander Col Win Naung, Chairman of the pagoda board of trustees U Khin Maung Than and members, wut associations and guests.
Rural gravel road being constructed in Kyaunggon
Kyaunggon Township Development Affairs Committee Executive Officer U Khin Zaw Win and Assistant Engineer U Min Aung Myint Soe supervised construction of Pandawyoe-Kanyingon-Wetchan Gayet gravel road in the township on 30 January. The road, three miles and five furlongs long and 10 feet wide, is being built at a cost of K 9.19 million by the State. On completion, local people from three village-tracts and over 10 villages in the area can use the road.
Rural tube-well sunk in Kayan
Kayan Township Development Affairs Committee is carrying out tube-well sinking tasks for availability of clean drinking water in the rural areas. On 25 January, Township Development Affairs Committee Executive Officer U Maung Maung Aye inspected sinking of tube-wells in Dawbonsu Village of the township.
Collective paddy sale in Meiktila
Under the supervision of Meiktila Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Kyaw and leadership of Township Agricultural Produce Trading Manager U Tin Oo, local farmers of the villages sell paddy at the purchase depots in the township every Sunday. On 26 January, farmers of Pyintha Village-tract collectively sold paddy. In Meiktila Township, a total of 23,329 acres of paddy has been cultivated. So far, altogether 42,560 baskets of paddy have been purchased against the target of 52,000. Officials are to go on field trips to urge the local farmers to sell the targeted paddy.
Youth Culture Library opened in Pakokku
The Youth Culture Library was opened in Htantabin Village, Pakokku Township, on 15 January. Chairman of Pakokku District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyi Tun and Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Than formally opened the library. Pakokku U Ohn Pe unveiled the signboard of the library. Then, Pakokku U Ohn Pe and writers gave lectures on literary affairs.
Sanitation works carried out in Myanaung
Sanitation works and greening tasks were carried out in six wards in Myanaung Township on 18 January. Local authorities supervised the sanitation works.
Literary affairs discussed in Kyaukme
The talks on literary affairs to mark the Sarsodaw Day was held at Kyaukme Basic Education High School on 11 January. Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association CEC member Maung Hsu Shin, Myinmu Maung Naing Moe, Maung Myint Kywe and Cartoonist Maung Wunna gave talks. Present were local authorities and local people.
Literary talks given in Hsipaw
A talks on literary affairs to mark the second Mother’s Day was held at Shwepyiaye Cinema Hall in Hsipaw on 23 January. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasana of Mahamyaing Monastery, writers Phone Myint Aung (Mandalay) and Yin Yin Nu (Mandalay) gave on matters related to the Mother’s Day.
Paddy collectively sold in Moebye
The collective paddy sales ceremony was held at Myoma Paddy Purchase Depot in Moebye, Phekhon Township, on 26 January, attended by Brig-Gen Myo Lwin of Phekhon Station and officials. At the ceremony, local farmers of east and west areas of Moebye Myoma sold 1,077 baskets of paddy.
Sport
Yangon, 7 Feb — The prize presentation ceremony of the 40th Inter-State/Division Tennis Tournament was held at Theinbyu Tennis Court this afternoon.
Vice-President of Myanmar Tennis Federation U Zaw Zaw presented K 100,000 to first prize winning Mandalay Division women’s team in the team event, K 50,000 to second prize winning Yangon Division team and K 30,000 to joint third prize winning Bago Division and Chin State respectively.
Director-General U Thaung Htaik of Sports and Physical Education Department presented K 100,000, K 50,000 and K 30,000 and individual prizes to first prize winning Ayeyawady Division team, second prize winning Yangon Division team and joint third prize winning Kayin and Chin State teams respectively in the men’s event.
Dr Tha Yin Myat gave away K 50,000 to best player award winners Kyi Mya Zaw (Yangon Division) in the women’s event and Than Htaik (Ayeyawady Division) in the men’s event. Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented championship shields to Mandalay Division women’s team and Ayeyawady Division men’s team.
After the ceremony, Dr Tha Yin Myat presented K 100,000 to Mingala Taungnyunt BEHS No 3 band which performed entertainment to audience after the final match. Max Myanmar Co also presented K 420,000 and Dr Tha Yin Myat, K 200,000 to the band. Later, a dinner was hosted to those present at the gymnasium.
Drug
Woman caught together with heroin
Yangon, 7 Feb — A 45-year-old woman was caught together with 107.1 grams of heroin in her possession at Shwebo Railway Station on 8 January. The woman, Ma Myint Myint Yi (a) Ma San Yi, was a passenger on Mandalay-Myitkyina Up train. The authorities found the heroin kept hidden under garlic in her basket while searching the passengers. Action has been taken against Ma Myint Myint Yi (a) Ma San Yi of Takaw village, Bamauk Township, under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
