[Quoted from DetikNews] Bandung Syamsi Dhuha Foundation (SDF) – a non-profit organization that gives special attention to Lupus and Low vision, received the Sasakawa Health Prize (SHP) 2012, an international award in the health sector, in Geneva – Switzerland, today (24/5/2012).
In a release received by detikbandung, the SHP award ceremony took place at the Assembly Hall – Palais des Nations, at 17.00 local time. The SDF team was represented by Eko Pratomo, Founder of SDF, and Dian Syarief, Chairperson of SDF.
The SDF team mingled with delegates from each country participating in the general assembly of the World Health Organization, including the Delegation from Indonesia led by the Vice Minister of Health, Ali Ghufron Mukti.
According to SDF Founder Eko Pratomo, in a notification letter received from the Executive Board of the WHO (World Health Organization), SDF was the sole recipient of the SHP for the year 2012.
"The WHO Executive Board selected SDF as the recipient of the SHP 2012 for various efforts that have been made and are considered innovative in the health sector. We feel very grateful, and this award is for all parties who have worked hard and hand-in-hand in running various education, socialization, assistance, and research programs to improve the quality of life of people living with Lupus (Odapus), which has been carried out by SDF since 8 years ago, when SDF first started moving on the ground," said Eko.
The SHP 2012 received by SDF is the third time Indonesia has received this award, after more than 20 years.
It is recorded that Indonesia first received this SHP in 1988 on behalf of the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) program, which was deemed successful in mobilizing women to support public health programs, and in 1992 on behalf of Dr. Handojo Tjandrakusuma for disability prevention and rehabilitation programs for the community.
In her remarks, Dian Syarief, representing SDF, thanked the Sasakawa Foundation and WHO for appreciating the efforts made in Indonesia.
"Limitations are part of life and exist in every country in the world. What we can do is to keep burning our spirit to survive and grow, and our efforts to achieve goals. Even if we must lose to the disease, we lose honorably because we have done our best with all our strength," said Dian, who is also a Lupus sufferer.
During their stay in Geneva, the SDF team is also scheduled to visit the WHO headquarters to exchange information regarding the management of Lupus and Low Vision.
WHO itself has been granting this award since 1984 under the initiative and funding of Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa, President of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation. This SHP is awarded to institutions, individuals, NGOs, or organizations that have innovative and extraordinary ideas for the advancement of the health sector, such as health promotion and the development of primary health care (PHC) to advance related programs.
Various countries in the world that have received similar awards include: India, the Philippines, China, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Slovakia, and Australia. For SDF itself, this is the second international award after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the 9th International Congress on SLE in Vancouver – Canada in 2010.
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Erna Mardiana – DetikNews