The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) on October 3 gave out awards to 31 individuals and 15 groups during a ceremony at the NTUH International Convention Center, commending them for their contribution to the field of disease control and prevention. Taiwan CDC said that the recipients have worked hard in their respective areas, describing them as the “brightest stars” in the field of disease control and prevention.

More schools have won the Taiwan CDC’s awards this year than any other year. A total of seven schools were represented by individual and group winners, indicating that more schools have been attaching greater importance to disease control and prevention on campus as well as promoting safe sex.

The average age of people infected with HIV has been declining in Taiwan, and to cope with this trend, the National United University has actively promoted HIV/AIDS prevention, hosting its anti-HIV infection duet contest for the sixth year. The university’s annual event has attracted a substantial number of participants, one of whom went on to take part in a televised talent show. In addition, in order to implement education on equality and sexual orientation, the university designed teaching materials on homosexuality, and with the Department of Health’s help, became the first university in Miaoli County to establish a homosexual student society. In 2008, the university also installed condom machines on campus and invited AIDS patients to give talks, aiming to counter discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.

Minghsin University of Science and Technology invited a father to share his story on parenting a child with HIV, teaching students more about HIV/AIDS and the importance of not ostracizing carriers, while Yuan Ze University launched a series of lectures on HIV/AIDS prevention and hosted a well-received road race based on that theme.

In addition to schools, several health professionals also won awards. Hualien Guangfu Township Health Center Director Lin Chun-hsiao grew up in a tribal community that saw a devastating dysentery epidemic prior to the 1940s. Learning about that historical event motivated Lin to study medicine. In 2004, after his maternal grandfather contracted tuberculosis, Lin gathered volunteers and religious groups to set up a green ribbon society, focusing on the prevention of tuberculosis in tribal communities as well as promoting better understanding of the disease. Mackay Memorial Hospital Hsinchu branch’s Wang Hsiu-wen reached out to AIDS patients in prisons, teaching inmates the importance of taking medication on time and providing support to those with suicidal tendencies. On one occasion, Wang attended to a patient who had overdosed at a Taiwan High Speed Rail station. Wang also set up a support group through an instant messenger, provide patients with access to help and support.

Service organizations have also contributed to disease control and prevention efforts such as the Rotary Club of Taipei Shihlin, which obtained US$150,000 from Rotary International to launch a three-year tuberculosis prevention program in Hualien County. Every year during the typhoon season, Miaoli County experiences floods, which increase the threat of disease outbreaks. To counter this threat, Chang Chun Petro Chemical Co., which operates a factory in the county, has committed itself to donating an unlimited amount of bleach to flood-affected areas unconditionally for the fifth year to help with sterilization efforts.

To encourage contribution to disease control and prevention, Taiwan CDC commends outstanding individuals and groups from different sectors every year.