Mumbai: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) presented Dr. Cyrus S Poonawalla, Chairman and Managing Director of Serum Institute of India Limited with the Award for "Excellence in Inter-American Public Health",

 making him the first Indian to get this prestigious honour in Washington D.C. Dr. Poonawalla received this award at the hands of Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for his extraordinary contribution to eliminate Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in America.

Serum Institute of India has demonstrated unparalleled focus in supplying several hundred millions of doses to curb the scourge of Rubella (German Measles) and Measles to 38 regions in America, for the past 16 years, for routine immunization as well as for mass campaigns.

Serum Institute of India is the World's largest DTP (Triple) and measles vaccine manufacturer. The launch of Serum's Hepatitis-B vaccine in India acted as a catalyst to bring down the prices of the vaccine and make it affordable for the masses. The Company's products are exported to over 130 countries worldwide. The company and its Chairman, Dr Cyrus Poonawalla were honoured with the Humanitarian Award by Sabin Vaccine Institute, USA, for providing quality vaccines at affordable prices.

Serum is the largest bio-pharmaceutical company in India, with leadership in the vaccines segment. The company's current R&D efforts involve research for vaccines and other recombinant products in the field of Oncology, Nephrology, etc.