'It is time to act! It is time to act for all of us who believe in human dignity and justice'. - Olle Hansson
The Award is named in honour of Olle Hansson, a Swedish paediatric neurologist internationally known for his advocacy of SMON (Subacute myelo-optic neuropathy) victims who were paralyzed or blinded after using clioquinol, an antidiarrhoeal drug. Olle Hansson was a powerful campaigner against unethical promotion and marketing of drugs. In many ways, he represented the conscience of the medical profession.
His influence was felt not only in Sweden and Japan, which have thousands of SMON victims, but also in Europe and developing countries.
Olle Hansson will be remembered by all who campaign for the rational use of drugs.
Although he died of cancer on May 23, 1985, at the age of 49, he remains a continuing source of inspiration for public interest workers everywhere. May 23 is commemorated each year as 'Olle Hansson Day'.
The Award was first given in 1987. The recipients included Dr Mira Shiva of India, Dr Alfredo Bengzon of the Philippines and Prof Dzulkifli Abdul Razak of USM, Malaysia and Dr K Balasubramaniam most recently.
Nominations are invited for the Olle Hansson Award. This Award for 2007 recognizes the work of an individual from a developing country who has contributed the most to:
- Promoting the concepts of essential drugs and their rational use, and
- Increasing the awareness among consumers of the dangers of irrational and hazardous drugs.
Nominations for the award, which can come from any individual or organization, should contain:
1. A one-page biodata of the candidate (including educational background, positions held, affiliations, honours and awards).
2. A 500-word statement of the nominee's qualities and achievements in the field of rational drug use. Please provide documentation of work
done.
3. A recent photograph of the nominee.
4. The nominator's name, affiliation and address.
Closing Date
Nominations will close on 30th March 2007.
Announcement of Award winner
The recipient will be chosen by an international panel of judges, and named on Olle Hansson Day, May 23 2007.
The Prize
The award, which is given annually, carries a prize of US$2,000 and a commemorative certificate.
Management
The Olle Hansson Award Fund is managed by Health Action International Asia - Pacific (HAIAP) which is the Asia - Pacific arm of the HAI global network.
HAIAP is a network of organizations and individuals involved in health and pharmaceutical issues. HAIAP upholds health as a fundamental human right and aspires for a just and equitable world in which there will be among others regular access to essential medicines to all who need them.
HAIAP actively promotes the concept of Essential Drugs their rational and economic use through advocacy, research education and action campaigns.
Please send nominations to:
Prasadini Perera
Project Officer
Health Action International Asia-Pacific (HAIAP)
No. 05 Level 02, Frankfurt Place
Colombo 04 Sri Lanka
Tel: + 9411 2554353
Fax: + 9411 2554570
E-mail: prasadini@haiap.org or hai@haiap.org
Website: www.haiap.org
Health Action International (HAI) is an independent, global network working to increase access to essential medicines and improve their rational use.
External link to more information: http://www.haiap.org.
Contact: Prasadini Perera, prasadini@haiap.org
