María Luisa Ávila Agüero

President, Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Head, Infectology Department, Children National’s Hospital; Fmr. Minister of Health, Costa Rica

A pediatric infectious disease specialist and public health leader dedicated to advancing infectious disease research and improving child health in Latin America. As Costa Rica’s Minister of Health under two different administrations, she implemented key public health initiatives in epidemiological surveillance, infection prevention, and vaccine advocacy. She continues to contribute to global health as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Postgraduate Studies in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Costa Rica, where she mentors and trains the next generation of health leaders.