The Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy at the UNC
Eshelman School of Pharmacy will present Hans V. Hogerzeil, MD, with the
2008 Public Service Award on Thursday, October 2.

Hogerzeil is director of the Department of Essential Medicines and
Pharmaceutical Policies for the World Health Organization. He is responsible
for all WHO global policies, norms, and standards on medicines. He also
oversees the WHO's technical support in the field of medicines, with support
programs in more than eighty countries covering access to essential
medicines, quality, and rational use. He chairs the Interagency
Pharmaceutical Coordination Group, which coordinates the pharmaceutical
policies and programs of all major United Nations agencies, the Global
Fund, and the World Bank.

Hogerzeil is the editor of several WHO books on essential medicines policies, the quality use of medicines, medicines in emergency situations, and essential medicines for reproductive health. He has published more than fifty scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. In 1996 he was invited to become a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh, and in 1998, he received an honorary doctorate of science from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. His recent interests include essential medicines for reproductive health, and access to essential medicines as part of the fulfillment of the right to health.

The IPIT function will include an award ceremony and a seminar by Hogerzeil. The presentation is titled "Access to Essential Medicines as Part of the Fulfillment of the Right to Health". The seminar will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in room 1015 of the FedEx Global Education Center. A reception will follow from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in room 4003.