Ludhmila Abrahão Hajjar was one of the recipients of the Grand Collar of Merit, which highlights personalities for their exceptional merits or contribution to external control

The cardiologist and Professor at the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), Ludhmila Abrahão Hajjar, was one of the recipients of the Grand Collar of Merit from the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). The award, which recognizes individuals for their exceptional merits or contributions to external control, was presented to her on February 14th in a special session of the TCU's plenary in Brasília, and was attended by the Rector of USP, Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior.

Hajjar was honored for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she served as head of the ICU at the Heart Institute (Incor), publishing scientific articles in specialized journals, and advocating for science."Science needs to be recognized and treated as essential to Brazil's development. Brazilian research has never experienced a crisis as great as the current one, with the dismantling of research programs, the unprecedented crisis facing universities, and unfortunate budget cuts. It is a first-order task to recover and value science in Brazil. 

Science and technology must act in the fight against hunger, in the production of supplies for vaccines, in the face of climate change. In short, they are vital instruments for Brazilian autonomy," said Hajjar, who spoke on behalf of all the honorees.

The president of the TCU, Minister Bruno Dantas, noted that the ceremony coincided with the celebration of the TCU's 130th anniversary. "This ceremony coincides with a historic moment for this House, which is the celebration of 130 years since the installation of the TCU, by the then Minister of Finance, Serzedello Corrêa, on January 17, 1893, when our democracy was still being born", he said.

TCU Vice-President, Vital do Rêgo, greeted the honorees and emphasized the importance of seeking inspiration from external actors for institutions such as the Court.

The Grand Collar of Merit

Created in 2003, the Grand Collar of Merit from the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts honors national or foreign personalities who have distinguished themselves by their exceptional merits or relevant contribution to external control.

In addition to Ludhmilla Hajjar, the honorees included former President Michel Temer, former Governor of Espírito Santo Paulo César Hartung Gomes, Defense Minister José Mucio Monteiro, photographer Sebastião Salgado, journalist Ribamar Oliveira (in memoriam), the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), represented by its president, Mário Moreira, and the Butantan Institute, represented by its director, Esper Georges Kallás, who is also a professor at FMUSP.

Among the personalities who attended the ceremony were the Attorney General of the Public Prosecutor's Office at the TCU, Cristina Machado da Costa e Silva, the senior justice of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Gilmar Mendes, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira.