May 8^th. Dr. Ansam Sawalha, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at An-Najah National University, became the first Palestinian woman to enter the Women in Science Hall of Fame, a project implemented by the U.S. Department of State. The United States Consulate evaluated the CVs and accomplishments of hundreds of women working in the different scientific and educational areas. Among the winning women was Dr. Sawalha who was selected based on her accomplishments and the scientific works she has achieved.

Dr. Sawalha first joined An-Najah University in 1999 as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy’s staff. Since then, she has made a number of achievements including: the establishment of the Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC) at the University which is the first and only one of its kind in Palestine and among the few other centers found in the Arab world.

The PCDIC is among the most successful centers that offers consultancy and information regarding drugs and poisons. Dr. Sawalha holds the “National Week for the Prevention of Poisons” every year to educate the public and workers in the health sector about poisons and prevention measures.

Over the last years, Dr. Sawalha has conducted several research and studies at An-Najah University and succeeded in publishing them in international journals. She also participated in several local and international conferences and contributed to the well-being of the Palestinian society through her continuous work and dedication.