ICCIDD's regional coordinator for the America's is the recipient of the Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership in Inter-American Health. Created in 1975 bv the Pan American Health Organization and Pan American Health & Education Foundation, the award recognizes public health leaders for their leadership. PAHO stated:

"The work of Professor Pretell includes pioneering contributions in the study of the effects of iodine deficiency on the quality of life, investigations of new methods for the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of iodine deficiency, and the application of his research results on public health programs, aimed to reach the goal of the sustained elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).

"His research studies represent an important contribution to the understanding of both the physiopathology and the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency. Three studies were of particular importance: 1) the effect of iodine deficiency on the maternal-fetal unit, which demonstrated its deleterious effect on the mental and neurofunctional development of the fetus; 2) the use of iodized oil in the prophylaxis and treatment of iodine deficiency, a new method now approved by WHO, and 3) the validity of the analysis of iodine concentration in casual urine samples as an indicator for the diagnosis and monitoring of iodine nutrition.

"Professor Pretell has been more recently involved in two other important studies: 1) The Thyroid Mobil Project in Latin America; where a mobile van traveled around various Latin American countries documenting iodine deficiency as well as encouraging public advocacy for the sustained elimination of iodine deficiency, and 2) International reference values for thyroid volume by ultrasonography

"Professor Pretell’s most important contribution at the continental level has been his endless journeys around all the Latin American countries, in connection to his effort and personal commitment to the cause of the eradication of iodine deficiency as a public health problem. Professor Pretell has contributed in the development, assessment, quality assurance and sustainability of country programs, and the preparation of country’s reports."

A video of the presentation contains Dr. Pretell's remarks beginning at 2:30.