There is a long history of adapting nature to fulfill the needs of the population by altering natural products and the environment. Biotechnology began once humans discovered the benefits of modifying living organisms, be it for agricultural, cooking, or medicinal uses. Rudimentary forms of biotechnology evolved into newer, more complex methodologies in the modification of nature. With a higher level of understanding biology and increasingly complex technology, manipulation of living organisms to increase agricultural output, reduce our impact on the environment, and prevent and combat diseases has become possible. [1]

WASHINGTON, DC (June 11, 2012) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is calling for nominations a remarkable candidate that has made significant contributions to laying the foundation of an all-inclusive universal health care system in one or more of the countries of the Americas for the 2012 Sérgio Arouca Award for Excellence in Universal Health Care.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 11, 2012) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) invite professors, scholars, and researchers affiliated with an institution involved in the study of bioethics to nominate a developing scholar in bioethics for the 2012 Manuel Velasco Suárez Award for Excellence in Bioethics.

The award is given to a scholar in Latin America or the Caribbean whose work demonstrates achievement in bioethics and who submits a sound research proposal for scholarly activities to be carried out in the field of basic or applied bioethics.

 WASHINGTON, DC (June 11, 2012) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is calling for nominations for the 2012 PAHO/PAHEF Pedro N. Acha Award for Excellence in Veterinary Public Health.

 
This award recognizes outstanding research based on a thesis written by an undergraduate student in veterinary public health within the last three years. It also aims to encourage dedication to the highest standards of study and professionalism. A distinguished jury of veterinary public health professional’s reviews nominations and recommends a research thesis to the board of directors of PAHEF for final selection.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 11, 2012) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is calling for nominations of scientific articles of significant impact on the public health literature in the Americas. The articles must have been published within the three years previous to the nomination in a scientific journal that is indexed in a medical database (e.g., PubMed, SciELO) or in the Pan American Journal of Public Health.

Known throughout the Americas as a career-defining honor, the Fred L. Soper Award for Excellence in Public Health Literature recognizes an outstanding article that has high and far-reaching impact in the region of the Americas, especially in Latin America and/or the Caribbean.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 11,2012) – To honor the achievements of volunteerism within outstanding non-governmental organizations working in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is calling for nominations for the 2012 Clarence H. Moore Award for Excellence for Voluntary Service.

Created in 1989, this award recognizes the work of the voluntary/nongovernmental sector in improving the lives of the peoples of the Americas and advancing the public health sector. Mr. Clarence H. Moore was the chief of the PAHO Office of Budget and Finance from 1957 to 1968 and PAHEF’s executive director from its founding in 1968 until his death in 1988.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 11, 2012) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is calling for nominations for the 2012 PAHO/PAHEF Abraham Horwitz Award for Excellence in Leadership in Inter-American Public Health.

Since 1975, this award has recognized committed leaders and their contributions to public health resulting in region-wide improvements in the health and the lives of the peoples of the Americas. They lead by example and participate willingly in hands-on public health work, be it examining and treating patients, assessing the environmental health status of a community, analyzing health statistics and studying the distribution of diseases across the region, or controlling the vectors of tropical diseases. In addition to the recognition of professional accomplishments, the award calls attention to health concerns throughout the Hemisphere, and is intended to inspire continuing achievements in region-wide health by professionals.

WASHINGTON DC (April 25, 2012) - On the occasion of World Malaria Day, the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the George Washington University Center for Global Health (GWU-CGH) commence this year’s search for the Malaria Champions of the Americas. Currently on its fourth year, the annual search honors innovative efforts that have significantly contributed towards overcoming the challenges of malaria in communities, countries, or the Region.