The soccer star promotes PAHO's "Vaccination" and "Youth Violence Prevention" Campaigns

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) honored Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo de Assis Moreira - Ronaldinho Gaucho - for his humanitarian contributions and support of the Organization's initiatives to increase vaccination coverage throughout the Americas with Vaccination Week in the Americas, and to reduce youth violence through awareness campaigns.

Mauricio offers Ronaldinho gifts featuring his character for kids

Ronaldinho Gaucho, received the PAHO "Champion of Health" award from Deputy Director Dr. Joxel García at a ceremony in New York. "This is a powerful combination between the oldest public health organization in the world and the best soccer player in the world," Dr. García said. Ronaldinho said he was honored and thanked PAHO for giving him the opportunity to spread health messages to the people of the Americas. The public service announcements promoting Vaccination Week in the Americas and Youth Violence Prevention were produced by Mauricio de Sousa, creator of the character for kids "Ronaldinho Gaucho" and have been distributed to television stations and networks. Mauricio de Sousa, also a PAHO "Champion of Health," and Roberto de Assis Moreira, - Ronaldinho's brother - were in New York on August 11, 2006, for the ceremonies honoring the great Ronaldinho Gaucho.

Mauricio and Ronaldinho, both PAHO's Champions of Health in the Americas

Ronaldinho signs Ronaldinho Gaucho's comic books for children at the New York PAHO's ceremony

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PHOTOS PAHO MSP Bebel Silva

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