THE Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement organized a multiplier course to encourage the volunteers who are fighting against COVID-19 yesterday.

During the meeting, Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye emphasized the role, diligence and altruism of volunteers in COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities and the aims of training to offer systematic services with communication skills, safety and mental supports in accordance with the age group, sector and position and to bring mindfulness to avoid the risk of infection with COVID-19 as the disease has fast infection rate.

The Union Minister also appreciated the spirit of volunteering in COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities and requested the volunteers to discuss the challenges and the needs while serving as volunteers to make better preventive measures. Permanent Secretary Dr Ko Ko Naing, Director-General for Social Welfare the Department and other officials from the relevant departments and organizations and the volunteers from Nay Pyi Taw Council and Yangon Region attended the event.

MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)

Photo: MNA

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WORLDS AIDS Day 2020 was commemorated at the Ministry of Health and Sports yesterday, and Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe delivered a speech.

The Union Minister said while the ongoing treatment against COVID-19 is important it is equally necessary to continue implementing the ministry’s more than 40 health directives, which include preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases. He said AIDs require lifetime medication and failure to do so increases the chance for opportunistic infections, which can lead to death.

There were about 240,000 cases of HIV in Myanmar in 2019, of which over 9,900 were new cases in Myanmar, but this was a 36% decrease compared to 2010. HIV prevalence was 0.58% during that time, according to an AIDS epidemic model. The vulnerable demographics include drug abuses, sex workers, same-sex partners, prison inmates and migrant workers, and the ministry prioritizes them for treatment.

The leading factors that drive HIV/AIDS in developing countries are low socio-economic standards and a lack of knowledge on the subject. The five most important facts for preventing any disease is the public interest, public participation, public health literacy, public perception on its importance, and exchange of accurate information between those affected.

Myanmar joined UNAIDS and the Global HIV Prevention Coalition Group in May 2018 and has been implementing its own National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS (2016-2020) prior to that. A new 5-year strategy from 2021 to 2025 is currently in the works. The main supporter for Myanmar financially in this endeavour is the Global Fund while technical assistance is provided by UNAIDS and WHO. The Myanmar government has been allocating $14m for HIV prevention since the 2016-17FY and an additional $1m for purchasing the opioid methadone used for pain relief and treating drug addiction.

There has been progressing as Myanmar was able to provide lifelong ART to only 106,000 of the 240,000 cases in 2016 but now provides up to 82% of all affected persons as of last September. The ministry was able to expand 362 ART centres in 273 townships in November and expanded prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) to 326 townships; a 99% coverage.

The ministry was able to test 790,000 pregnant women in 2016, and it increased to over a million in 2019. HIV transmission from mother-to-child went down from 0.84% in 2011 to 0.50% in 2019. There are currently 24,000 people seeking treatment in 80 methadone maintenance therapy centres.

UNAIDS Country Director Mr Oussama Tawil read a message from the UN Secretary-General which said World AIDS Day is a reminder of the disease’s effect on society for more than 40 years amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. While there have been significant advances in preventing the spread of HIV, about 1.7 million people are infected by HIV every year with a death toll of 690,000. COVID-19 has made the unequal reach of medical treatment apparent across the world, and the safety of the entire world depends on the safety of the individual.

WHO Representative to Myanmar, Dr Stephan Paul Jost, and US Chargé d'Affaires' Gwendolyn Cardno also spoke at the commemoration. U Sai Aung Kham, representing civil society organizations, spoke on the importance of World AIDS Day and the aspirations of the CSOs.

Director Dr Tun Nyunt Oo explained the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS, and the Union Minister and officials observed the commemorative exhibition after the event.

MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

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I extend greetings with best wishes at the occasion of 100th anniversary of the University of Yangon for the wellbeing of the national people and overcoming the current pandemic. Today is an auspicious time for the history of Myanmar education, and it is the proud moment of all the Myanmar nationals. I am also pleased to extend my congratulatory remark on the event as an alumnus of this university.

As the University of Yangon was first established on 1 December 1920, it has been 100 years on 1 December 2020. The celebrations have marked its centenary. From the launching ceremony of 100th anniversary on 2 December 2019 to the end of December this year, the centenary celebrations have been holding. It was intended to widely organize the centenary event. However, the celebrations could be held under control measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In tracing the history of the University of Yangon back, Myanmar did not have its own university for national people before 1920, except Yangon college under the University of Calcutta and Baptist College of the American Baptist Missionaries in the country. The name of Baptist College was changed into Judson College (Yudathan College). Our country had not a university for higher education, but just only Yangon College and Judson College, before 1920.

Therefore, Myanmar national leaders and people called for an independent and national university which was not under the influence of the University of Calcutta. As the demand accelerated, authorities had to merge Yangon College and Judson College to form the Yangon University on 1 December 2020.

In the early years, only art subjects were available at the university. As the academic field had been widened at Yangon University before the Second World War, more colleges were established in the following years. During 1940-1950, Yangon University was famous as the best university in Southeast Asia due to its higher academic level and pleasant natural environment. After changing education laws, different subjects of Yangon University were separated into respective universities. Then, the glory days of the university were long behind it, followed by the gradual decline of academic level.

As other universities and colleges emerged from the University of Yangon, it is recognized as a ‘Mother University’ of other universities, degree colleges and colleges. In the past, University of Yangon was the only university in Yangon. It was also a foundation of education in Myanmar, and it developed together with a wide range of struggle for education, independence, nationalistic movements and historic events. The role of the University of Yangon cannot be skipped in reviewing education development in Myanmar, and its history cannot also be separated from the history of independence struggles and national political activities.

Currently, the government is making efforts to upgrade the University of Yangon as a high priority project. The government is working hard to make the University of Yangon a world-class university again and to make it a university that can support national interests, as an important project. A Master Plan for the University of Yangon has been drafted and implemented.

Education can play a crucial role in the development of a country. At the “basic education” level, it is important to provide great basic education, and at the higher education level, it needs to provide education and skills that can benefit the country and are compatible with the 21st Century. Myanmar drafted and approved the National Education Law in September 2014 and amended the law in 2015 and approved it again. According to the National Education Law, Myanmar’s education system will be compatible with political, economic and social systems of Myanmar, and the law will promote the quality of the education sector.

We believe and hope that all the stakeholders will be able to implement the education policy and plan the curriculum in accordance with this objective. We have heard good news that the Department of Anthropology of the University of Yangon will open diploma courses in languages, histories, geography, businesses, cultures and traditions of national ethnic people.

The centenary celebration of the University of Yangon is a ceremony that belongs to all the people of Myanmar and the entire education sector of Myanmar. I am a former student at the University of Yangon, so the university is like our mom. So, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the University of Yangon, which falls on 1 Dec, we all remember the great history of the university and its great image, and all the people of Myanmar will be proud to have it. I would like to conclude my congratulatory speech, calling on people to conserve the great image and the dignity of the University of Yangon and work hard in order for the university to exist for infinite years.

(Translated by Aung Khin)

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A total of 289 Myanmar citizens stranded in foreign countries because of the suspension of commercial flights returned home by relief flights yesterday.

Myanmar Embassy in Seoul and Crew Change Supporting Committee-Myanmar jointly organized the relief flight of Myanmar Airways International to bring back 121 Myanmar citizens home – 62 from the Republic of Korea, 25 from Japan, 13 from Malaysia, 3 from the United Arab Emirates, 3 from Bangladesh, 1 from Qatar, 12 from Singapore, 1 from the United States and 1 from France.

The flight that brought the citizens from Incheon International Airport landed at Yangon International Airport in the late evening.

Myanmar Embassy in Riyadh also organized the relief of Myanmar Airways International to repatriate 168 Myanmar nationals– 3 from Bahrain, 1 from Oman, 86 from the UAE, 2 from Kuwait, 1 from Japan, 2 from Iran, 4 from Bangladesh, 10 from Egypt, 2 from Congo, 6 from Sudan, 18 from Panama, 6 from South Africa, 10 from Israel, 2 from Pakistan, 4 from Azerbaijan, 4 from Norway, 5 from Singapore, 1 from Turkey and 1 from Somalia.

The flight bringing the citizens from Dubai landed at Yangon International Airport in the late evening.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Yangon Region government provided them with proper medical tests and arranged 7-day quarantine at specific places or designated hotels, followed by the 7-day home quarantine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working with Myanmar embassies in foreign countries, local ministries and shipping companies/organizations to bring back Myanmar citizens stranded abroad in accordance with the guidance of the National-Level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19.

MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

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Union Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry U Soe Win held a videoconference with Ms Mariam Sherman, the World Bank Country Director for Myanmar, and officials yesterday.

At the meeting, the country director discussed the approval of World Bank on 13 October to give US$12 billion additional financing aid to Myanmar for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine under the Global COVID-19 Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA), possible means to acquire the vaccine, $60 million for Myanmar under the IDA 19, and 3 ways to receive the vaccine for 20 per cent of the country’s population.

The Union Minister raised queries to the discussions.

Deputy Minister U Sett Aung and Dr Min Ye Paing Hein, the permanent secretary and officials took part in the discussions.

MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat made a speech at CPC Dialogue in Political Parties of Southeast Asian Countries via videoconference yesterday.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker said that pandemic occurring for long-term was destructive to regional economic recovery and future developments.

He stressed the importance of considering every aspect that can foster development and success with ‘new normal’ lifestyle, expressing his views that the meeting would stimulate cooperation between PRC and ASEAN countries for pandemic response and sustainable socio-economic development.

China and ASEAN countries have the largest trading route in the world, and it is important to get equal access to vaccines with cheap price for developing together, he said, stressing the needs for enduring health emergencies being experienced at present and in future.

He added that the sectors of investments, market value chains, and trading in regional countries have to be prioritized for strengthening regional economic endurance. Development of China’s Silk Road Project plays an important role in improving infrastructures of the regional countries that will assist the elimination of poverty and sustainable development.

Success between ASEAN and PRC represents the success of the people of all regional countries, he added, pledging that Myanmar would cooperate with ASEAN partner countries, including PRC.

The dialogue was participated by Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Mr Song Tao, Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Mr Lu Xingshe, ASEAN countries’ Hluttaw Speakers and political parties’ representatives.

MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

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Kathina-Robe offering ceremony of the government took place at the Sasana Beikmandaw of the Uppatasanti Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

President U Win Myint and the First Lady Daw Cho Cho, together with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, donated Kathina-robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Presiding Monk of Bhamo Monastery Dr Bhaddanta Kumara Bhivamsa officiated the ceremony which was attended by Vice-President U Myint Swe, Union Chief Justice U Htun Htun Oo, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Pyithu Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U Tun Tun Hein, Amyotha Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U Aye Tha Aung, Union Ministers, the Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, Deputy Ministers, members of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, departmental heads and officials.

Before the ceremony, State Counsellor Daw Aung Sann Suu Kyi offered alms-food in an emerald bowl together with fruits, flowers and water to the Buddha Image in the Sasana Beikmandaw.

Then the congregation took the Five Precepts, and the Sangha recited the Metta sutta parita verses.

Next, the President and the First Lady, the State Counsellor and the invited guests donated Kathina-robes and offertories to members of the Sangha and shared merits before offering the day-meal.

The Union Government donated K42.7 million together with Kathina-robes and other items at the ceremony.

MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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THE Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement held ceremony to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence via videoconferencing yesterday morning.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung, Chairpersons of the Women and Children Affairs Committee of Pyithu and Amyotha Hluttaws, Deputy Chairman and members of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Ola Almgren, Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs, chairpersons of women committees from Nay Pyi Taw, States and Regions, the Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and officials of the department concerned, country representatives of UN organizations, INGOs, NGOs and the civilian organizations.

During the ceremony, the Union Minister said the ceremony for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence has been holding in Myanamar since 2018, and the country reports 51.81 per cent of the female population and so the measures to prevent the violence against women have postive impacts on the development and protections for all citizens.

The Union Minister discussed the membership of UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, ASEAN Committee on Women Affairs, ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children, implementation of ASEAN Regional Plan of Action of Elimination on Violence against Women like other ASEAN regions between 2016 and 2019, 4 policies and 12 working plans of MNCWA, National Strategic Plan (2013-2022) for women advancement and drafting phase (2) as the strategic plan will expire in 2022.

He also talked about the formation of the national committee and the working committee on prevention and addressing conflict-related sexual violence, setting up of 24hours Help Line service in 2016, cash assistance and arrangement for the accommodation of the victims, the establishment of One-Stop Wom en Support Centres in Yangon, Mandalay, Mawlamyine, Lashio, Kayah and Monywa, the appointment of 250 Case Managers and this year’s theme “Orange the World: Fund, Response, Prevent, Collect.”

He also stressed the concerted efforts to do in line with the theme like collecting data and fund-raising to provide more cash assistance in preventing gender-based violence as it can be supposed the numbers of domestic violence are increasing, the statement of Union Accord of the Union Peace Conference-21st Century Panglong Conference including gender equality, policy to prevent gender based violence in building the federal democratic union, amendment and revise of law if necessary, drafting of law for Protection and Prevention of Violence against Women, 30 per cent of women participation according to Union Accord for gender equality and further cooperation for the development of all women including the ones from border areas.

Then, UN Resident Coordinator Mr Ola Almgren made a greeting speech and then video clip of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence was played.

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)

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THE Ministry of Construction held a ceremony to mark 134 years of Public Works Department in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning in accordance with the health rules of National-Level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 and the Ministry of Health and Sports.

Union Minister U Han Zaw, Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw Linn, Permanent Secretary U Shwe Lay, the Directors-General and Deputy Directors-General, invited guests and other officials, Chief Engineers and Directors of department joined the ceremony online from their respective regions and states.

During the ceremony, Union Minister U Han Zaw congratulated on 134th ceremony of Public Works Department (PWD) which fulfilled the needs of roads, bridges, housings and apartments for the public and discussed the reorganization of the Ministry of Construction with Department of Building, Department of Highway, Department of Bridge, Department of Urban Housing and Development and Department of Rural Road Development in 2017, the important role of these departments in implementing the basic infrastructure for the development of the country, appreciation those who serve dutifully under the ministry to date, plans to stand as the outstanding ministry which constructs quality roads, bridges and buildings across the nation and serves for the development of engineering sector including researches, innovation and technology, efforts of ministry in providing technology and machines to develop the socio-economic status of public according to the objectives of the ministry.

Then, Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw Linn briefed the activities of ministry while the five departments under the ministry respectively presented their one-year performance in 2019-2020 via videos.

The Union Minister, Deputy Minister and other officials awarded the outstanding trainees, staff who serve dutifully for the ministry, students who passed the matriculation examination with distinctions in 2019-2020 academic year and presented certificates of honour to the retired senior officers.

Then, the Union Minister and party inspected the structural model of bridges, including Pathein Bridge (2).

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)

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THE COVAX National Coordinating Committee under the Ministry of Health and Sports held its first meeting via videoconferencing yesterday.

During the meeting, Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe discussed the systematic immunization plan for the target priority groups when the COVID-19 vaccine is available, formation of COVAX National Coordinating Committee (CNCC), COVAX National Technical Working Group (CTWG) and National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), efforts of Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance to access the vaccine at low price or free via COVAX Facility for 20 per cent of the country’s population, negotiations with Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance and WHO to receive vaccine Myanmar, the duties of public to follow the health rules, procurement of vaccine with the government’s budget, cash assistance of Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance and World Bank loan, plans to allow private hospitals and clinics for vaccination, cooperation works with Ministry of Home Affairs and Customs Department to prevent from receiving substandard vaccine, programmes to use only the vaccine recognized by WHO and FDA, plans to ban other vaccine without any guarantee for quality, advices of NITAG regarding Adverse event following immunization (AEFI), transport system, effectiveness, numbers of vaccination and immune response.

He also talked about the arrangement for ultra-cold storage as some of the vaccines are needed to be kept at minus 70 degrees C, the experience of ministry in immunization campaign especially in the expanded programme on immunization, first priority groups depending on the age and regions where have high infection rate, message to the Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance to send the vaccine no later than 7 December of this year and the importance of cooperation works for this process.

Then, the health officials including Deputy Minister Dr Mya Lay Sein, Permanent Secretary Prof Dr Thet Khaing Win and NITAG Chairman Dr Soe Lwin Nyein respectively briefed the plans and arrangement regarding the procurement of vaccine, ultra-cold storage system, digital system and target groups for vaccination and role of media for information.

The Union Minister concluded the meeting after saying the importance of information, communication and digitalization for all health plans, vaccine-related diploma courses and online capacity building classes.

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)

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