Dr. July Esther Caballero Peralta of Peru has been honored with the 2025 PAHO Award for Health Services Management and Leadership. The award was presented during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which brought together top health authorities from across the Americas.
The recognition highlights Dr. Caballero’s leadership in expanding and strengthening mental health services in Peru. She has guided efforts to identify the needs of diverse populations, promote regulatory frameworks and technical guidelines, and support public policies that increase coverage and access to care, particularly for vulnerable groups.
A psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Caballero holds a medical degree with specializations in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as a Master of Science. Since 2023, she has led the Mental Health Directorate at Peru’s Ministry of Health (MINSA), having contributed to the technical team since 2018. Her work has been pivotal in implementing Peru’s Mental Health Law, which has enabled the establishment of over 290 Community Mental Health Centers, deployment of mobile teams to support people with severe mental disorders living on the streets, and expansion of integrated services for incarcerated individuals and children and adolescents affected by abuse. Her career also encompasses teaching and research on topics including psychological violence, depression, rehabilitation for severe mental disorders, and the mental health impacts of COVID-19.
Jerome Walcott, President of PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council and Minister of Health and Wellness of Barbados, presented the award, emphasizing Dr. Caballero’s dedication to making mental health a central component of public health in the Americas. Dr. Caballero expressed that the recognition underscores the importance of mental health as a fundamental human right and reflects collaborative leadership with local governments, academia, civil society, and communities.
Established in 1969, the PAHO Award for Health Services Management and Leadership honors outstanding contributions to improving health systems and services in the Americas. It recognizes individuals, programs, and initiatives that have demonstrated measurable impact on access to healthcare at national or regional levels.
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