Fiocruz pulmonologist Margareth Dalcolmo was honored with the Oswaldo Cruz Medal of Merit, one of the highest honors in Health in Brazil, awarded by the Presidency of the Republic to individuals who contribute significantly to the health and well-being of the Brazilian population. The award ceremony took place last Friday (March 13th), during the inauguration of the trauma unit at the new Andaraí Federal Hospital in Rio de Janeiro.

Dalcolmo, a researcher at the Professor Hélio Fraga Reference Center of the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (Ensp/Fiocruz), has established herself as one of the leading scientific experts in the country during the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the health emergency, he stood out for his advocacy of preventive measures, vaccination, and the role of science in addressing the crisis.

Margareth Dalcolmo received the medal from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The tribute was presented by Nísia Trindade, who led Fiocruz during the pandemic and highlighted the scientist's ongoing contribution to strengthening vaccination and public health policies in the country.

Also present were the Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha; the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes; the Municipal Secretary of Health, Daniel Soranz; the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco; as well as various authorities, researchers, managers, and health professionals.

A leading figure in tuberculosis treatment, Dalcolmo gained national prominence by also working to combat misinformation, in a context marked by attacks on science and the spread of false information. During the ceremony, the researcher recalled the challenges of that period, emphasizing the efforts of healthcare professionals to guide the population based on scientific evidence.

Dalcolmo is a senior researcher at Fiocruz and a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. She is a full member of the National Academy of Medicine and a consultant to the World Health Organization's Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.

Source: Fiocruz News Agency (AFN).