Son of the American doctor Amán Rawson and Justina Rojo, William Rawson he stood out as a doctor and politician who promoted hygienism in the country. Together with his colleague Toribio Ayerza, he founded the Argentine Red Cross in 1880.
Rawson He was born on June 24, 1821 in San Juan and died on February 2, 1890 in Paris, France. the distinguished medicalalso served as Minister of the Interior during the presidency of Bartolomé Miter.
After passing through the College of Buenos Aires, Rawson He entered the Faculty of Medicine of the UBA, where he shared studies with José María Bosch and Luis Sáenz Peña. In 1870, “the father of Argentine hygiene” devoted himself entirely to the yellow fever epidemic (which affected Buenos Aires between 1870 and 1871), analyzed the disease and hygiene.
Starting in the 1980s, the politician began to suffer from an eye condition. For this reason, he went to Paris. After passing through the French capital, he returned to Argentina and taught Hygiene. By 1885, his eye disease would reappear, which is why he returned to Paris to continue his treatment, which he continued until his death in 1890.
The Argentine Red Cross
Recognized as an international institution with humanitarian ideals, The Argentine Red Cross branch came at the impulse of Rawson and his colleague, Toribio Ayerza, who appeared as main members.
The Argentine headquarters was created on June 10, 1880 and, over the years, was recognized by the government as an institution. For this reason, every June 10, the Red Cross Day is commemorated in the country.
