Esperanza Martinez

Dr. Esperanza Martinez is the Head of Health for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where she oversees healthcare services provided to populations affected by armed conflict and violence in over 80 countries. A trained medical doctor and general surgeon, she specializes in International Public Health, Health Management, and Integrative Medicine. Before rejoining the ICRC in November 2015, Dr. Martinez gained extensive experience working in the private sector, UN agencies, government bodies, and NGOs, accumulating over ten years of fieldwork in conflict-affected areas. She is responsible for implementing ICRC’s Health Strategy 2014-2018, which emphasizes a comprehensive public health approach, including programs such as First Aid, Primary Healthcare, and Mental Health support. Dr. Martinez's leadership has been pivotal during complex crises, including responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.