Tagaytay, Marikina among Asia-Pacific cities honored by WHO



Associated Press
Last updated 08:37pm (Mla time) 10/29/2006


THE World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday commended eight cities in the Asia-Pacific region -- including Tagaytay and Marikina -- for programs aimed at improving the health of their populations.

Cities in Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea were given awards for a range of initiatives including the promotion of breast feeding, reduction of gender-based violence and plans to improve the health of people living in urban slums.

The WHO's acting regional director for the Western Pacific, Dr. Richard Nesbit, gave out the awards in ceremonies in Suzhou, China, the world health body's regional office in Manila said in a statement.

South Korea's Wonju received a Good Practice Award for innovative approaches to financing health promotion activities and Jeju was recognized for best practices in breast feeding and protecting people at their work places.

Kunshan in China's Jiangsu province received two Good Practice awards for fighting gender-based violence and improving the quality of care through a mother-friendly hospital initiative.

Marikina was awarded for its health emergency preparedness and response planning.

Best Proposal awards went to Japan's Ichikawa, Tagaytay and Marikina.

Ichikawa was given $10,000 (€7,880) in seed money for its plans to improve the health of its urban slum dwellers.

Tagaytay was given $10,000 (€7,880) for proposals to improve housing, while Marikina was awarded $5,000 (€3,940) for its emergency preparedness project.

Japan's Miyakojima and Australia's Noarlunga received the Regional Director's award, an honorary recognition presented to cities that have a track record in sustained improvement of the overall quality of life of their citizens, the WHO statement said.

Miyakojima was commended for programs since 1994 that encourage physical activity. The city has provided walking paths and organized an international triathlon, promoted healthy dietary habits and helped preserve coral reef and water quality.

Noarlunga's projects since 1987 have tackled health issues linked to unemployment, multicultural activities, water quality and environmental health issues.

More than 400 delegates from 21 countries in the Asia and Pacific are taking part in the Alliance for Healthy Cities' general assembly in Suzhuo from Saturday to Monday, WHO said.

The Healthy Cities approach was introduced by WHO almost two decades ago in the Western Pacific Region, and more than 100 cities have adopted it since then.