Manuel Roberto Calderón Pinzón, MPH ‘84

Dr. Manuel Roberto Calderón Pinzón is a visionary physician, public health leader, and global development strategist with over 30 years of service across more than 20 countries. He has held executive roles including Vice Minister of Public Health in Guatemala, Area Health Officer in Los Angeles County, and PAHO/WHO Intercountry Adviser for HIV/AIDS in Central America and the Caribbean. His pioneering initiatives have transformed health systems, advanced maternal and child health, strengthened HIV/AIDS prevention and control, and improved food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Calderón Pinzón has led humanitarian and emergency responses with the UN World Food Programme, World Vision International, Medical Teams International, and Living Water International, integrating public health, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), maternal and child health and survival, and development strategies to build resilience in marginalized communities.

He is the author of over 40 publications, including a seminal guide on mobilizing multisectoral action against HIV/AIDS, and has mobilized millions in resources through strategic partnerships. He has received more than 50 awards for excellence in leadership, innovation, strategic partnerships, and health solutions and service. A dedicated mentor and champion of equity, his leadership continues to build a better, healthier, safer, more inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and just world for all, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

Dr. Calderón Pinzón earned an MD from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and earned an MPH in Health Policy and Management from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health in 1984.