Oman captures 2012 UN Public Service Award

The winners will be honored at the 2012 UNPSA Awards Ceremony in New York City, United States of America, in June 2012. The Ministry of Health was a 2nd place winner, for its 'Reduce Childhood Mortality Rate: Infants and Children under 5 years of Age' project, in the category of 'Promoting gender-responsive delivery of public services'.

The UN Public Service Award recognizes the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions which lead to a more effective and responsive public service administration in countries worldwide. Through an annual competition, the UN Public Service Awards promote the role, professionalism, and visibility of public service. Each year there are only five categories with two winners per category.

Oman has successfully won awards in 2003 (Muscat Municipality), 2009 (Royal Oman Police), 2010 (Ministry of Health), 2011 (Information Technology Authority, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Civil Service and National Association for Cancer Awareness) and now again, one award in 2012.

For the Sultanate to have won Awards in five different years since the inception of the UNPSA and for the last four years running, is alone testament to the sultanate's unwavering desire to excel at providing exceptional public service.

Ministry of Health - Reduce Childhood Mortality Rate: Infants and Children under 5 years of Age

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in the Sultanate of Oman, has taken a holistic approach in enhancing the quality of mother and child health. Oman has been successful in reducing both the maternal mortality rate in childbirth from 22 (per 100,000 live births) in 1995 to 13.4 in 2009, and the Infant Mortality Rate of 20 (per 1,000 live births) in 1995 to 9.6 in 2009.

This has been attributed to comprehensive healthcare services for mother and child. As well, with an IT-based 'Mother and Child system' in place, the progress of pregnant mothers and child development under the age of 5 is carefully monitored to ensure full survival.

Before the 'Mother and Child system' was automated, pre-natal check-ups, services, and follow-up for mother and child health were done manually. As a result, there was no standardized manner in which pregnant women were educated on the medical check-ups and investigations required during the course of their pregnancy. Similarly, for new born babies, there were no proper ways to monitor follow-ups, in accordance to the international best practices.

With the implementation of the automated 'Mother and Child system' initiative, the MoH can now provide a holistic primary care for pregnant mothers (pre-natal and post natal care) at all medical centers and towards birth at the tertiary hospital. Their records are made available throughout their pregnancy, from primary healthcare center to the hospital, through the Healthcare system. It records the birth history, pre-natal care for mother and child, special care and needs, which then transfers same to the Primary care system, which will then be extended to the child under the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses system.

2012 UNPSA Award Ceremony

Oman's award will be handed out at the 2012 UNPSA Awards Ceremony and Forum to be held 25-28 June, in New York City, USA. This year's Award marks the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Public Service Day and Awards Ceremony.

Over 400 participants, including the President of the General Assembly, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, high-level government officials from around the world, are expected to attend.

Participants will also include world leaders, ministers, senior government officials, mayors, and representatives from civil society, academia, the private sector, and international and regional organizations.

Oman's selection as a winner again for this award exemplifies the excellence the country has achieved in harnessing technology to serve the community at large. It is a great achievement for the sultanate as this award is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service.