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WASHINGTON, DC (March 1, 2010) – Nominations are being accepted for the Abraham Horwitz Award for Excellence in Leadership in Inter-American Health now through June 30, 2010, 5:00 p.m. EST, at pahef.org/horwitz. This award, presented by the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), recognizes the diligent work of leaders and their contributions to public health that result in improvements in the lives of people across Latin America and the Caribbean. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the award's creation.

Nominees must be individuals whose professional achievements in any field of inter-American health stimulates excellence, has been innovative, and has impacted the health of populations across the borders of the Americas. They may be active in their careers, active though in formal retirement, or retired after an outstanding lifetime career.

The award also aims to encourage professionalism and dedication to the highest standards of improving public health for future generations.

The awardee receives a cash prize, certificate of merit, and a paid trip to Washington, DC, to receive the award at the annual PAHO/PAHEF Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Event and is recognized before the ministers of health of the region at the PAHO Directing Council Meeting.

The Abraham Horwitz Award for Excellence in Inter-American Health is part of the Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Health Program, a joint initiative of PAHEF and PAHO.

Nominations may be made in either Spanish or English.

Past winners of the Abraham Horwitz Award for Excellence in Inter-American Health include Dr. Eduardo A. Pretell Zárate, former minister of health of Peru (2000 – 2001), for his work in combating iodine deficiency disorders, and Dr. Cesar Victora for his outstanding dedication and contributions to maternal and child health in the Americas.

Dr. Abraham Horwitz, a national of Chile, served as director of PAHO from 1958 to 1975 and as president of PAHEF from 1975 to 2000. His professional career spanned six decades.

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Founded in 1968, the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is a public 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to fostering public health programs in the Americas that address major health concerns. PAHEF improves the lives of people throughout the Americas by working with the public and private sectors as well as major public health research, policy, and development groups.

PAHEF enjoys a unique relationship with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization.

The Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health (pahef.org/awards) help stimulate the growth of the next and rising generation of leaders working to improve health and health care in the Americas. The Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Program is a partnership between PAHEF and PAHO. A jury of distinguished public health professionals reviews nominations and recommends a candidate for each award to the board of trustees of the Foundation for final selection.

pahef.org

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