The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, received this May 10 the award of the Order "Merit for Distinguished Service" in the Grade of Grand Officer, issued by the government of Peru.

The resolution recognizes that Dr. Roses Periago "has lead important and recognized efforts throughout Latin America, that have contributed substantially to improving health policies in Peru" and stressed "the high professional performance, specifically in the areas of immunization, malaria and tobacco control.  These results have been properly applied and incorporated in public health policies in Peru."

Dr. Roses Periago received the award from the Ambassador of Peru, Mr. Harold Forsyth, during a reception hosted in her honor at the Embassy of Peru in Washington DC.