Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has clenched two prestigious Kochon prizes for his role and political leadership in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) globally.
Established in 2006, the Kochon Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organisations that have made a significant contribution to combating TB either in their countries or globally.
The prize is in honour of the late Chairman Chong-Kun Lee, founder of the Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation and Kochon Foundation in Korea.
Lee was committed throughout his career to improving access to low-cost lifesaving antibiotics and anti-TB drugs.
The 2018 Prize is awarded to outstanding political leaders who are reinvigorating, driving change, and taking bold actions to end TB.
In a ceremony held at The Hague, The Netherlands, Motsoaledi received the first prize in his individual capacity for the fight against TB.
He shared the second prize with United Kingdom Member of Parliament, Nick Hebert.
The pair were recognised in their capacity as co-chairs of the Global TB Caucus of members of parliament from all over the world.
“On behalf of the people of South Africa, the Ministry of Health, is humbled and wishes to express its gratitude for this global recognition of Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
“This is a proud moment for our country. The recognition of his leadership will assist the country in mobilising the much needed resources and partnerships towards ending TB,” said Health Ministry spokesperson Popo Maja.
The Minister was nominated through an online platform, which asked several questions about the nominee and the nominator was also invited to submit letters of support.
In just some of the letters of support submitted for Motsoaledi, he is revered for overseeing South Africa’s adoption of the new drug resistant-TB drugs, which led to a threefold increase in cure rates for patients. – SAnews.gov.za
