Dr. Héchmi Louzir Promoted to Officer of the French National Order of Merit
Dr. Héchmi Louzir, former Director General of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis from 2017 to 2023, was promoted to the rank of Officer of the French National Order of Merit during an official ceremony held on Tuesday evening. The distinction was awarded to him by Alain Mérieux, President of the Institute and the Mérieux Foundation, in recognition of his entire scientific career and his contribution to international health cooperation. The ceremony took place in the presence of his family, loved ones, and several figures from the biomedical sector. It was an opportunity to salute the career of a Tunisian immunologist of international renown, whose expertise is recognized both in Tunisia and by the World Health Organization.
A Career Marked by Commitment to Research
Formerly a scholar of French scientific cooperation, Héchmi Louzir has distinguished himself through his constant commitment to research on infectious diseases, particularly rabies and leishmaniasis, two diseases long considered neglected. A defender of the Pasteurian heritage, he has worked to strengthen scientific capacities and promote research based on excellence and international collaboration.
A Distinction in a Context of Growing Global Health Challenges
This distinction comes in a context marked by growing global health challenges. France will host the "One Health" Summit on April 7 in Lyon, dedicated to an integrated approach to health issues linking human, animal, and environmental health. In this regard, the commitment of Dr. Héchmi Louzir, as well as that of Dr. Samia Menif, current Director General of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, is part of a scientific dynamic based on cooperation, interdisciplinarity, and scientific rigor to address emerging and re-emerging threats.
Franco-Tunisian Scientific Cooperation Continues
The Franco-Tunisian scientific cooperation continues, in particular through the joint scholarships of the PHC Utique program and the Charles Nicolle chair, aimed at supporting young researchers and promoting the vision of a global and shared health.
