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June 18, 2025
The Suzan McLennon Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Leadership Award: Recognizing commitment and achievements in AMR
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is honored to announce the launch of “The Suzan McLennon Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Leadership Award”, a prestigious recognition established in memory of Dr. Suzan McLennon-Miguel, a dedicated Jamaican veterinarian whose impactful career spanned more than three decades. Known for her leadership in public health, veterinary medicine, and disaster response, Dr. McLennon-Miguel was a champion of One Health, integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts to enhance food safety and combat AMR in the Caribbean.
Dr. McLennon-Miguel’s commitment to improving society extended beyond her professional achievements. Her groundbreaking initiative, "Doc Sue’s Happy Rooms," created spaces in three hospitals across Jamaica where sick children could play, learn, and find joy during their recovery. This award honors her legacy of compassion, dedication, and leadership in AMR and veterinary public health.
Nominations
Nominations are open to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in addressing antimicrobial resistance in the Caribbean. You may self-nominate or nominate a deserving candidate who has:
- Made significant contributions to the fight against AMR through education, policy advocacy, or public health interventions.
- Led community-based AMR initiatives with measurable impact.
- Advanced research or practical solutions to combat AMR in the Caribbean region, particularly through a One Health approach.
Award
The recipient of the Suzan McLennon Miguel Caribbean AMR Leadership Award will be invited to visit PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C., for an immersive experience. This visit will include opportunities to meet AMR experts, participate in strategic discussions, and share their work on a regional platform. The awardee will also receive a commemorative plaque.
Timelines
- Launch of the Award: World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), November 18, 2024.
- Annual call for nominees: January to June 30, each year.
Selection Process and Criteria
A selection panel composed of members from PAHO’s AMR Special Program, the PAHO Caribbean Regional Office, and select international AMR experts/advocates will review all nominations. The panel will evaluate candidates based on the following criteria:
- Impact on AMR Response (30 points): Demonstrated measurable outcomes in AMR containment, awareness-raising, or policy impact in the Caribbean.
- Leadership and Innovation (30 points): Proven leadership in pioneering new approaches or mobilizing resources to fight AMR.
- Collaboration and Partnership (20 points): Ability to foster multi-sectoral collaboration, particularly aligning with the One Health approach. Collaboration within the Caribbean region may also be taken into consideration.
- Sustainability and Legacy (20 points): Initiatives or projects that show long-term commitment to combating AMR and ensuring sustainability.
Nomination submission
Nominations should include:
- A completed nomination form (available on PAHO's website).
- Note that the form requests a detailed description of the candidate’s contributions to the fight against AMR (maximum 500 words). Optional supporting documents, such as project reports, media coverage, testimonials or relevant photographs will be accepted.
Contact Information
For nomination submissions or inquiries about the award, please email Franka Des Vignes [desvigfra@paho.org] and Nathalie El Omeiri [elomeirin@paho.org] indicating in the subject “Suzan Mc Lennon Miguel Award nomination”.
Submission Deadline
The deadline for application is Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). Please send the completed nomination form and supporting materials in one email to: desvigfra@paho.org. Additionally, please place: "Nomination for AMR Award 2025- [First Name, Last Name]" in the subject line of the email.
Join us in celebrating and recognizing the exceptional leaders working to combat AMR in the Caribbean, continuing the legacy of Dr. Suzan McLennon-Miguel.
