Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, Union Minister for the Ministry of Health under Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), has been awarded the distinguished Edward Barsky Award by an American Health Association, the Health Activist Dinner, for his tireless efforts in healthcare, human rights, and social justice amidst Myanmar’s political turmoil.
The Edward Barsky Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to healthcare and social justice in the face of political challenges. The award is named after Dr. Edward K. Barsky, a physician and activist who led American medical volunteers during the Spanish Civil War as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and supported progressive causes throughout his life. The award, with a legacy of acknowledging those who fight for health and justice, has previously honored notable groups like Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress.
Dr. Zaw Wai Soe has played a vital role in addressing the collapse of Myanmar’s health system following the 2021 military coup. His work has been especially crucial in conflict-affected areas where health services have been decimated. The Edward Barsky Award committee announced that even though the violent military junta continues to attack healthcare providers, under his leadership, healthcare workers participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) have resisted the junta while providing critical care to vulnerable populations, often at great personal risk. Dr. Zaw Wai Soe and his team of CDM healthcare workers, along with community-based organizations, have created innovative, community-led health systems that continue to serve conflict-affected areas in Myanmar despite the dangerous and life-threatening conditions.
A renowned orthopedic surgeon and professor, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe is recognized as a pioneer in spine surgery and emergency medicine within the country and has served as the main taskforce leader for the reform of sixteen medical-related universities in Myanmar. He was the former Rector of both the University of Medicine 1 and University of Medicine 2 in Yangon and served as chairman of the Myanmar Rector’s Committee until February 2021.
In addition to these contributions, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe has been actively involved in the fight against COVID-19 in Myanmar. He served as the vice chair of the COVID-19 Contain, Control and Treating Coordination Committee, demonstrating his dedication to public health during a global pandemic.
Additionally, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe has been invited to attend the annual Health Activists’ Dinner to be held on Sunday, October 27, to receive the Edward Barsky Award, joining public health leaders, healthcare workers, activists, and experts from around the world.
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