Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 29, 2022
The Muskaan Care Trust NZ Protection Through Prevention Community Vaccination team was honoured with the ‘Covid-19 Health Volunteer Award’ for outstanding services at the National Health & Disability Volunteer Awards 2022 at a ceremony held in Wellington last week.
Health Minister Andrew Little presented Award to winners in six categories at the Awards Presentation Ceremony held in Parliament on June 20, 2022.
The citation read that the Muskaan’s Care Community Vaccination Champions played a pivotal role in bridging mainstream health services with ethnic, minority communities and organisations.
Protection through Prevention
Mr Little announced the names of recipients and thanked all health volunteers for their contribution to the health and wellbeing of people.
“We wish Muskaan Care trust team to progress and keep doing amazing services and collaborations with our wider communities and making that difference in people’s lives,” he said.
“When the Covid -19 pandemic started, they began proactively the ‘Protection Through Prevention’ strategy, working with their community and partner organisations to share information about Covid-19 in other languages, through community-led vaccination clinics across Auckland. They provided important support and addressed the concerns of people who were hesitant about vaccinations. This went beyond Covid to general health and wellbeing.”
Muskaan Care Trust Chairman Vivek Vij described the Award as an honour and a humbling experience and that the Trust was inspired by the selfless work being done across New Zealand.
“We express our profound gratitude to all Muskaan Care Trust Trustees, Team Muskaan Volunteers, Peer supporters, Consultants, Advisors, Sector and Community partners, collaborators, community members, Gurdwaras, Temples, Schools for making the ‘Protection Through Prevention Programme’ possible,” he said.
About the Awards
The Minister of Health Volunteer Awards provides an opportunity to recognise thousands of unsung heroes who support New Zealand’s health and disability services.
Seven categories of the Awards Programme honour individuals or teams of volunteers who have offered outstanding support and dedication to the Covid-19 response.
Following are the seven categories:
Health Care Provider Service Award: This Award includes Hospitals, Public Health Organisations and General Practice practitioners to celebrate the outstanding contributions of inspirational individuals or teams of volunteers to a health care provider in New Zealand. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in the health and disability sector, particularly towards the health of people and communities, meeting local, regional and national needs and promoting effective care and support for those in need.
Community and NGO Health Service Award: The recipient would have demonstrated ongoing commitment within a health and disability non-governmental organisation. The nominees would have provided excellent services at the community level and offered outstanding support and dedication within primary health care, mental health, personal health and/or disability support services.
Maori Health Service Award: This Award honours individuals or teams of volunteers who show passion and commitment to a Maori health service. The nominees would have contributed to Maori health and disability services through their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. They ensure their communities are supported to the highest degree.
Pacific Health Service Award: This Award honours individuals or teams of volunteers who show passion and commitment to a Pacific health service. The nominees would have contributed to Pacific health and disability services through their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. They ensure their communities are supported to the highest degree.
Youth Health Volunteer Award: This Award acknowledges individuals or teams of volunteers aged 10–30 who have shown an exceptional and outstanding commitment to a health service organisation. It recognises our health leaders of tomorrow and promotes aspiring youth leadership. The nominees are young people who strive to develop and improve health and disability communities and inspire others to take initiative to produce a bright future for New Zealand.
Long Service Award: This Award recognises individuals or teams of volunteers who have made a long-standing commitment to voluntary work for health and disability organisations.
Covid Health Volunteer Award: This Award honours individuals or teams of volunteers who have offered outstanding support and dedication to New Zealand’s Covid-19 response.
