Leadership in Inter-American Health
The Abraham Horwitz Award for Excellence in Leadership in Inter-American Health 
"I
would like to see 'Health for All' become a reality, whatever
mechanism, whatever mode of action. I realize that this is not simple.
To achieve health for each and every person is a daunting task… Health
does not belong exclusively to doctors. Health is a social product that
is everyone's responsibility..."
- Abraham Horwitz, M.D., M.P.H.
The Abraham Horwitz Award for
Excellence in Leadership in Inter-American Health, created in 1975,
honors creative public health leaders whose commitment to public health
stimulates excellence among their peers, staff, and other public health
professionals. Indeed, new leaders emerge under the influence of this
award's winners. Further, the leadership demonstrated by award winners
has an impact beyond their borders and throughout the Americas.
This
award is one of the awards presented by the Pan American Health and
Education Foundation through its Awards for Excellence in
Inter-American Public Health Program, a partnership between PAHEF and
the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The Horwitz Award
recognizes committed leaders and their contributions to public health
resulting in region-wide improvements in 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.
Like Dr. Horwitz,
past winners
have selflessly served the public's health, championed change, and
managed risks, all for the enhancement of health beyond their own
borders. They have demonstrated leadership and dedication to the
highest standards of excellence in the field of public health
throughout the Americas.
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.
A
select international jury of public health professionals reviews
nominations and recommends a candidate to the board of trustees of
PAHEF for their final selection.
The awardee receives a cash
prize, certificate of honor, 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.
