Saima Wazed Hossain receives ‘International Champion Award’ for her relentless and innovative works for the wellbeing of the persons with autism

UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York, 25 July : Ms. Saima Wazed Hossain has been awarded today the International Champion Award from Shema Kolainu, a New York based School and Center for Children with Autism, for her relentless and innovative works for the wellbeing of the persons with autism. Ms. Saima, daughter of Prime Minister and Member WHO’s Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health and Chairperson of National Advisory Committee on Autism of Bangladesh, has been the inspirational figure at the international level who have devoted themselves for the question of Autism. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Mr. Masud Bin Momen received the award from Shema Kolainu and its international affiliate ICare4Autism on behalf of Ms. Saima Wazed    Hossain at a ceremony held today at the Princeton Club on 25 July, 2017 at the annual legislative breakfast. It may be noted Shema Kolainu, Established in 1998, is the first school and center for children in Autism in New York. Today, close to a thousand children benefit from Shema Kolainu’s center- and home-based services and programs, available to children on the autism spectrum from all communities, irrespective of their culture creed and faith in all 5 boroughs of New York City. Ambassador Masud said, while accepting the ward, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in ensuring the rights and well-being of persons affected by autism and other neuro-developmental disorders. He added, WHO declared, Saima Wazed Hossain a “globally renowned champion for the cause of autism spectrum disorder”. Last month WHO South-East Asia Region had appointed Saima Wazed Hossain as ‘goodwill ambassador for autism’ in the region of 11 countries. Ms. Saima facilitated the ‘Thimphu Declaration’ on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders at an international conference in Bhutan in April 2017. In recognition of her work for advancing autism in Bangladesh, the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office had honoured her with the Excellence in Public Health Award in September 2014. Her efforts in adopting Dhaka Declaration and formation of the South Asian Autism Network (SAAN) brought autism to the forefront in our region and beyond. Ambassador Masud also read out the short message by Ms. Saima at the award giving ceremony. Ms. Saima, in her message said, ‘I am honoured by this recognition by Shema Kolainu. I am working towards creating such well-planned comprehensive training for both care givers and other professionals in Bangladesh and the slushy East Asia region. Autism transcends all religious, cultural and socioeconomic boundaries so services and programs is needed to as well. Ambassador Masud noted at this August gathering that Bangladesh took lead in the adoption of the first UN General Assembly Resolution 67/82 entitled, ‘Addressing the Socioeconomic Needs of Individuals, Families and Societies living with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities’ on 12 December 2012. He claimed Bangladesh can indeed take pride in the kind of national awareness and planning as well as international advocacy for autism that it has invested in over the last few years. He observed, it has become evident that mass awareness, backed by strong political will, can make a difference in the lives of those with autism and other challenges. Globally, autism affects about 160 cases in 10,000 people. Children with autism in low-and middle-income countries often do not get the medical attention and care they need. This award is a sheer recognition of Ms. Saima for her committed work for the urgency of autism care and research, to raise support and awareness, and to share ideas about effective public policy and legislation that works towards combating autism. It may be mentioned that, along with Saima Wazed Hossain New York City Council Member Brad Lander, Council Member Mark Levine, Jennie Berger from Community Liaison Office of New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and a nine years old Autistic boy Colbi Heard also received award. Colbi Heard saved a toddler from drowning at a community pool in Florida when Colbi noticed a young boy struggling to swim and Colbi rescued the boy from the water, saving his life before any adults had even noticed the incident. The Art works of Autistic Children of Shema Kolainu, a school and Center for Children with Autism have been given as the award to all the award winners.