The President of Fiocruz, Mario Moreira, was honored as Commander of the Order of the Crown, one of the highest honors conferred by the King of Belgium, on Thursday (April 3). Established at the end of the 19th century, the title is granted to citizens who have rendered significant services to the Belgian state, particularly those who promote the life and rights of individuals.
The ambassador of Belgium in Brazil, Peter Claes, the president of Fiocruz, Mario Moreira, and the consul-geral of Belgium, Caroline Mouchart (photo: Peter Ilicciev)
In addition to honoring the work of Fiocruz, the title personally recognizes the efforts made to strengthen collaboration between Brazil and Belgium, with the aim of providing universal access to quality healthcare for all. The ceremony, attended by Ambassador Peter Claes, took place at the Residence of the Belgian Consul-General, Caroline Mouchart, in Rio de Janeiro. The authorities highlighted the contribution of Fiocruz and its president due to the Economic and Princely Mission, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid.
The Belgian Economic Mission to Brazil took place in November 2024 and was considered a significant milestone in increasing collaboration between Belgian companies and universities with the Foundation. On that occasion, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Fiocruz, through its Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos), and the Belgian companies Quantoom Biosciences S.A. and Univercells S.A. The signing ceremony was conducted by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium and was attended by distinguished members of the Belgian Economic Delegation.