[From cell to society: in search of just social welfare]

This is a speech delivered by Dr Abraham Horwitz upon receiving the Professor Honoris Causa degree from the University of Chile. Dr Horwitz was the Director of the Panamerican Health Organization for 4 consecutive periods (1958-1975). Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion are effective means to increase social wellbeing. They should be implemented at all levels of health care. By increasing the span of healthy and productive life, the health industry makes a direct contribution to development and the economy. Government investment in health reflects the value attributed by society to social wellbeing. Research and better administration of health resources will allow to reduce costs and increase productivity of health and nutritional programs.