Winners of Carlos Slim Health Awards 2017 Were Presented

In the 10th edition of the Carlos Slim Health Awards, the 2017 winners were presented. As each year, the Awards recognize the work dedicated to develop innovative solutions that have a positive impact on the health of the population of Mexico and Latin America.

In a press conference, MSc Ricardo Mujica Rosales, Executive Director of Carlos Slim Foundation, presented the winners of the two categories of the Awards: Exceptional Institution and Research Trajectory in. On this occasion, the independent jury analyzed 86 proposals from 15 countries. The winners elected by this collegiate body were the Central American Network of People with HIV (Red Centroamericana de Personas con VIH, REDCA+), which work in all Central American countries, as Exceptional Institution; and Dr. José Sifuentes Osornio, from Mexico, for Research Trajectory.

REDCA+, wich received the Exceptional Institution award, is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 in El Salvador. Its work has contributed to care, make visible and give a voice to the population with HIV. Additionally, it has helped reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and promoting universal access to treatment for people in need.

“This recognition further strengthens our commitment to the communities we serve day after day,” said Otoniel Ramirez, regional secretary of REDCA +.

Dr. José Sifuentes Osornio, of Mexico, received the Research Trajectory award for his research on tuberculosis and its interaction with other diseases such as diabetes and HIV. His contributions have succeeded in improving the care conditions of tuberculosis patients, and modifying their treatment in Latin America, having an important impact on public health.

“I am pleasantly surprised to receive this recognition. I share this joy with my colleagues and students who have been a fundamental part of my training as a public health professional,” said Dr. Sifuentes Osornio.

In addition to the recognition and prestige represented by these awards, Carlos Slim Foundation provides an economic contribution of 100,000 dollars to each of both categories, to encourage the continuity of the extraordinary work performed by the winners, at institutional and individual levels.

The Health Awards recognize the work of people, who individually or collectively have dedicated their lives to contribute to solve Latin American health problems, especially those affecting the most vulnerable population in the region. In this way, the Foundation seeks that more people live more and better.