On behalf of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, we come together to honor and remember María del Rocío Sáenz Madrigal, an extraordinary physician, public health leader, educator, and steadfast advocate for equity whose life and work have left an indelible mark on Costa Rica, Latin America, and the global public health community.
Born on May 2, 1958, and passing away on March 15, 2026, in Puriscal, Costa Rica, Rocío dedicated her life to serving others. She trained as a medical doctor at the Universidad La Salle in Mexico and furthered her expertise with a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Costa Rica. From her earliest days assisting patients with chronic conditions, and serving as medical director of a refugee camp for Nicaraguans, director of Health Development for the Ministry of Public Health of Costa Rica, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)’s Regional Advisor for the Central America Post-Mitch Program, she demonstrated a profound commitment to the most vulnerable, ensuring that health was not an abstract ideal, but a lived reality for all.
Her leadership shaped national systems and inspired international collaboration. As Minister of Health of Costa Rica from 2002 to 2006, and later as Executive President of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund from 2014 to 2017, Rocío guided transformative efforts grounded in equity, access, and human dignity. Her influence extended far beyond national borders through her work with PAHO, her role in health emergency response, and her leadership as director of the Health Equity Network of the Americas / Red de las Américas para la Equidad en Salud (HENA/RAES), based at the University of Costa Rica.
Rocío was also a devoted academic and mentor. As Professor of Health Promotion at the University of Costa Rica, she nurtured generations of public health professionals, led critical research initiatives, and advanced dialogue on primary health care, women’s health, and patient-centered systems. Her contributions, reflected in dozens of technical and scientific publications, continue to inform and inspire.
For the World Federation of Public Health Associations, Rocío was more than a collaborator. She was a trusted partner, an active contributor, and a guiding force. Through her engagement with our Working Groups and global initiatives, she brought clarity, wisdom, and a deep moral compass. She strengthened our collective mission and reminded us always of the human stories behind the policies we shape.
Her impact is perhaps best captured in the words of those who knew her closely.
Luis Eugenio de Souza, immediate Past President of the WFPHA, said:
“Dr. Rocio was a true leader in Costa Rica, Latin America, and the world, a highly competent and ethical professional who will continue to inspire public health professionals.”
Our President, Emma Rawson Te-Patu, shared:
“María del Rocío Sáenz was a force of nature. Her clarity of mind and strategic understanding of, and how to speak about, what should be addressed as a priority for equity, human rights, and effective health systems, health service delivery, and policy development was extraordinary. She was a true example of leadership and of empowering others to act for the greater good. Rocio could hold a room in the palm of her hand with her tone, a look, and indeed a few specific hand gestures that left you in no uncertain terms that you had been informed and must act. I was privileged to spend much time with and to learn and be guided by Rocio. I especially treasure the time we were together as Salzburg Global Fellows in Salzburg, Austria, in 2024 and more recently in Brasilia, Brazil, at Abrasco in November 2025. She will be missed by many, by our public health family and the global community at large. Tenei te mihi ki a koe e te Mareikura, Haere Haere Haere atu rā, Kua Wheturangitia! Arohanui ki te whānau pani… (We acknowledge you, leader of people, you are now part of the cloak of stars in the sky. Go now, rest now, be at peace. Sending love to your family and loved ones).”
Bettina Borisch, our CEO, adds:
“For all of us who had the privilege of working with Maria del Rocio Saenz, we got to know an exceptional human being, kindness and determination, knowledge and humanity, so many more combinations rarely found in one person: Rocio, we already miss you!”
Arachu Castro, Professor and Samuel Z. Stone Chair of Public Health in Latin America at Tulane University and member of the board of directors of the Health Equity Network of the Americas, wrote:
“Rocío was an extraordinary woman who led with conviction, compassion, and integrity in the pursuit of health equity across Latin America. I had the privilege of working closely with her over the past seven years and of calling her a dear friend and a mentor. She was deeply inspiring and thoughtful in all that she did. In recent years, as director of HENA/RAES, Rocío built a vibrant technical secretariat at the University of Costa Rica composed of public health graduates, creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. She was committed to nurturing the next generation with care and intention. At our most recent HENA monthly meeting, two days before her passing, she shared her intention to transfer the directorship to a member of the technical secretariat, reflecting her commitment to continuity and collective growth, as well as her generosity. Through our regular conversations, she remained a constant source of clarity and inspiration. Her absence will be profoundly felt. I will miss her dearly.”
Michael Moore, Past President of the WFPHA and Chair of the Immunization Taskforce, shared:
“Not only has Costa Rica lost a great public health professional, but the world has as well. She was not only an outstanding professional but also a person full of compassion and humanity. We mourn the loss of María del Rocío Sáenz Madriga, a great friend to the World Federation of Public Health Associations for her commitment and expertise. She brought a unique blend of political experience and medical expertise to the Federation’s policy and advocacy work. The thoughtful and professional approach she applied in discussions and during WFPHA webinars provided clear insight into both the challenges and solutions regarding public health issues. Her premature death is particularly sad for those of us who understand the contribution that she has made, and should be continuing to make, to improve health across the life course and independent of wealth.”
And our Past President, Walter Ricciardi, added:
“Dr. Rocío Sáenz will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to public health, her compassion for others, and the lasting impact she made on so many lives—an impact I had the opportunity to witness firsthand through our work together in the Public Health Leadership Coalition of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, where she was one of the most active and respected leaders leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations in the pursuit of equity and health for all.”
These words reflect what so many of us feel: that Rocío was not only brilliant, but deeply human. She led with conviction, spoke with purpose, and acted with compassion. She had the rare ability to challenge, to inspire, and to unite; always in the pursuit of a fairer, healthier world.
We mourn her passing, but we also celebrate her legacy. A legacy of courage, of integrity, and of unwavering commitment to health as a fundamental human right. A legacy that lives on in the systems she strengthened, the people she mentored, and the global movement she helped shape.
On behalf of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, her colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rocío, thank you for your leadership, your wisdom, and your friendship. Your work continues through all of us.
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