Press Releases
Former Minister of Health of Peru Honored for Work Combating Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Latin America
Media Contact: Ashley Gatewood
202-974-3727
gatewooa@pahef.org
WASHINGTON, DC (September 30, 2009) — Last night, Dr. Eduardo A. Pretell Zárate, former Minister of Health of Peru (2000 – 2001) and recognized as the most prestigious expert on iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in Latin America, received the esteemed Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership in Inter-American Health from the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The award honors Dr. Pretell’s long career researching and combating iodine deficiency disorders in Latin America. Iodine deficiency is endemic to most countries of the region and can impact brain development as well as cause thyroid-related health issues.
Dr. Pretell’s remarkable contributions to the field include defining that iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation results in brain damage and mental retardation in newborns. Currently, Dr. Pretell has organized a mobile van that travels throughout Latin America documenting iodine deficiency and encouraging public advocacy for IDD’s overall elimination.
The second Peruvian to ever win the award, Dr. Pretell has played a key role in organizing and participating in groups fighting IDD. He was the founder of the National Iodine Deficiency Control Program in Peru and is regional coordinator for Latin America in the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, an international nonprofit. He also has been an active participant in the Andean Sub-Regional Project for the Control of Iodine Deficiency.
“One of the greatest satisfactions we dedicate ourselves to in scientific health research is to achieve results that improve the quality of the individual and collective life, as is the case with the prevention of cerebral damage caused by an iodine deficiency,” says Dr. Pretell. “If we add public recognition, through the adjudication of the Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership in Inter-American Health, undoubtedly, I feel very honored and happy. This award, beyond question, will contribute to strengthening the regional commitment to achieve the sustained elimination of this deficiency in all of the Americas and the world.”
“Iodine deficiency disorders are very grave and often overlooked amongst the public. Dr. Pretell’s work to combat iodine deficiency is helping to make the people of Latin America healthier and lead better lives,” says Edward Kadunc, executive director of the Pan American Health and Education Foundation. “PAHEF is proud to honor his contributions to health in Latin America and his demonstrated leadership.”
Since 1975, the Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership in Inter-American Health has recognized committed leaders and their contributions to public health resulting in region-wide improvements in the lives of the peoples of the Americas.
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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 PAHO, the Pan American Health Organization, which serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization.
Since 1975, the Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health have been stimulating the growth of the next and rising generation of leaders working together to improve health and health care in the Americas. The Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health is a partnership between the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) and the Pan American Health Organization (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. The awards have the unique distinction of recognizing both established and emerging contributors to the field of public health within the Western Hemisphere. Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, they are recognized as a career-defining achievement that brings honor and recognition.
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