A memorial

It is with deep regret that I learned of the death of Dr Horwitz on 10 July. He was 89 years of age. He was buried in Chile, his native country. The Pan American Health Organization held a memorial service in his honour. The influence Dr Horwitz has had in shaping the SCN is unmistakable. His presence at the 27th SCN Session was electrifying, not only for old colleagues and acquaintances, but also for newcomers to the SCN such as myself. He will be sorely missed by the entire nutrition community. On behalf of the SCN I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr Horwitz. - Namanga Ngongi, SCN Chair

The "Health and Nutrition" community will by now have heaped many compliments on the late Dr Horwitz. Wise, thoughtful, patient, knowlegeable and much more, all fully justified. Yet this small dapper gentleman was also a "mover and shaker" of immense catalytic capability - he made people think, he overcame inertia, he got things done. But he never claimed the limelight and never lost sight of the basic purpose of the UN and bilateral agencies that formed the SCN. When I walk up our chilly Scottish hillside, now and then I will smile at his memory and recall the kindness he displayed to me as a postgraduate student and again many years later at the AGN and SCN.

- Leslie Burgess, Former SCN Chair

There will be many well-deserved tributes to Abraham Horwitz for his vision, leadership, wisdom, dedication, modesty, and generous spirit. However, his permanent legacy lies in his development of the health service in Chile, his building of PAHO, his indispensable support of INCAP, his making PAHEF successfully proactive, his chairmanship of the AGN and, of course, his long stewardship of the SCN. The example of his life will continue to inspire us all.

- Nevin Scrimshaw, UN University

I read so much about him and his accomplishments before I met this extremely humble man. I have continued to benefit from the many memorable statements and words of wisdom he has passed on over the years. Though we shall miss him, his stature and impact will live on.

- Ruth Oniang'o, Former AGN Vice Chair,
Jomo Kenyatta University

Abraham Horwitz was an inspiring figure for me from my early years; he visited my home as my father's friend and supervised his medical thesis. I followed his career with admiration. His commitment in advancing nutrition and public health worldwide in favour of the underserved was unrelentless. He practiced what he preached. He set a standard which will not easily be surpassed. I hope we will be able to preserve his legacy and follow his mandate to redouble our efforts in improving humankind through better nutrition.

- Ricardo Uauy, Former AGN Chair, University of Chile

I had the privilege to meet Dr Abraham Horwitz on a couple of occasions. He will be remembered for his dedication to his responsibility and strong sense of integrity in scientific thought and action. His single-minded commitment to give mankind the might to address malnutrition and health problems is something that all of us must try to emulate in our own small way. His efforts to steer the younger generation to fight malnutrition are again marks of a great human being with vision. We will cherish these ideals and try to live up to them.

- Kraisid Tontisirin, Director, Food & Nutrition Division, FAO

Although I admired Dr Horwitz for so many personal and professional characteristics, it was his concern for humanity that drew me to his office for informal chats whenever the occasion permitted. I counted on his wisdom, fairness and ability to see the larger picture to guide me in difficult and sensitive decisions, whether they concerned micronutrients or the politics of international agencies. I will truly miss this humanitarian, scholar, gentleman and friend.

- Barbara Underwood, President, IUNS

Dr Horwitz will be remembered for his constancy in promoting public health concerns, particularly those that were neither popular nor easily solved. His insistence on the highest standards for scientific inquiry and rigorous program implementation have been critical elements in the success of nutrition programs world-wide. His dedication to the International Vitamin A Consultative Group and development programs will be sorely missed.

- Frances Davidson, USAID