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On September 26, 2011, Dr. Francisca Samsing was jointly presented the Pedro N. Acha Award for Excellence in Veterinary Public Health by the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The award, which was presented by Dr. Benjamin Caballero, chair of the PAHEF board of directors, and Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, PAHO director, at a special event in Washington, DC, recognized her undergraduate thesis, Risk analysis of the dioxin, furan and DL-PCB contamination of pork meat by the feed materials that make up their diet.

Consumers and regulatory authorities worldwide have concerns about the presence of dioxin and its precursors in foods and processed products of animal origin. In this context, Dr. Samsing’s thesis is a comprehensive literature review of dioxin, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls, focusing on their chemical structure and physiological and toxicological properties, their presence and distribution in the production chain of animals, and their effects on humans.

“It is a great honor for me to receive the prestigious Pedro N. Acha Award for Excellence in Veterinary Public Health for my undergraduate thesis,” Dr. Samsing said. “Getting this award motivates me to continue developing my academic career and thus being able to contribute with my knowledge and research to my country's development.”

Edward L. Kadunc, president of PAHEF, remarked, “It is exciting to see a young researcher make such a substantial contribution to the veterinary public health field. Dr. Francisca Samsing’s findings are an important step toward improving food safety at a time when there is worldwide concern regarding the presence of dioxin and its precursors in foods and processed products of animal origin.”

The Pedro N. Acha Award for Excellence in Veterinary Public Health, created in 1993, recognizes the importance of veterinary public health to the peoples of the Americas and to countries’ economies. This award identifies 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 scholarship and professionalism. The award is one of six in the PAHO/PAHEF Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Program, which was established in 1975.

About PAHEF: The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) is dedicated to improving health in the Americas through health promotion, education, and training. Founded in 1968, PAHEF is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity that works with the PAHO and other strategic partners in the Americas to mobilize resources and jointly address key health, education, and training priorities. With a deep knowledge of major health concerns and strong relationships with key stakeholders in the region, PAHEF builds successful partnerships and projects that advance health in the Americas. For more information regarding PAHEF, please visit: www.pahef.org

About PAHO: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was established in 1902 and is the world’s oldest international public health organization. It works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of the people of the hemisphere and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). For more information regarding PAHO/WHO, please visit: www.paho.org

About the Awards: The PAHO/PAHEF Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health, established in 1975, honor dedicated professionals who led the way in advancing health conditions in the Americas during the last century. The awards stimulate the growth of the next and rising generation of leaders working together to improve health and health care in the Americas. For each award, a jury of distinguished public health professionals is convened to review the nominations and recommend a winning candidate to the board of directors of PAHEF for approval.

Watch a video of the event here

Watch the interview with Dr. Francisca Samsing here

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