PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) — France has bestowed the “Knight of the Legion of Honor”, the lowest rank in the country’s highest civilian order, on Surinamese medical practitioner, Dr Ruben del Prado.

French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste said the award was given for “his commitment to medicine, the fight against AIDS, the HIV pandemic, public health on all continents, and the revival of the Alliance Française in Suriname”.

Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, this honour is awarded to citizens on behalf of the French head of state as a reward for outstanding achievements.

De Lacoste, speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday evening, said the award was presented at the request of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The diplomat praised Dr Del Prado’s work in the health sector, both locally and globally. He has received numerous awards for this work, both in Suriname and abroad, including from Johns Hopkins University, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO).

De Lacoste said that his numerous publications attest to his commitment to promoting public health, HIV prevention, education, and strategic thinking.

He said Del Prado thus contributes to a more sustainable and healthier world, a goal of French diplomacy and cooperation, highlighting also his dedication and activism for the LGBT community, their recognition and the defence of their rights.

“France has always nourished me with inspiration, intellectual riches, a deep sense of humanism and solidarity. Tonight, that humanism resonates in the room, and I feel honoured to be part of that tradition,” said Del Prado, reflecting on his career which began with the medical mission during the “horrific civil war”.

He said that his work took him to various countries and that “each step has shaped me”, before settling back in Suriname after 20 years, and that the award is not a personal achievement but a recognition for Suriname, from its own professionals to its frontline workers.

“For all who demonstrate daily what a country is capable of when determination, creativity and solidarity come together.”

De Lacoste also paid tribute to his predecessor, Ambassador Antoine Joly, who entrusted Del Prado with the mission to revitalise the Alliance Française.

“You have taken on this mission with exceptional personal dedication and boundless enthusiasm,” he said, noting that together with the Alliance Française Suriname (AFS) team, there is once again an active and dynamic organisation for French lessons and film screenings, among other things.

“France is extremely grateful for this,” the ambassador said.