Washington, D.C. February 29, 2024. With regret, PAHO’s Special Program on Comprehensive Immunization (CIM) informs that Dr. Cuauhtémoc Ruiz Matus, Chief of the Comprehensive Family Immunization Unit from 2007 – 2022, passed away today in Mexico City.
Dr. Ruiz, a Mexican health professional, was appointed head of PAHO's Comprehensive Family Immunization Unit in 2007 and for 15 years, he led the strengthening of immunization programs in the Region of the Americas, providing his support and experience in other regions of the world.
Under his leadership, the elimination of rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, neonatal tetanus, and measles were achieved in the Region.
"Dr. Ruiz's work has undoubtedly left a mark on public health in the Region of the Americas. His experience as a committed healthcare worker ensured that vaccination protected the lives of millions of people," said Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of the Special Program on Immunization at PAHO's Regional Office. "His legacy will continue to be honored with the steadfast commitment of all of us working to bring the protection provided by vaccines throughout this Region.
Prior to joining PAHO, Dr. Ruiz spent 25 years of his professional career working for the Mexican Ministry of Health, where he held various positions, such as Deputy Director of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine in the State of Oaxaca, Head of the Department of Diarrheal Disease Control in the General Directorate of Epidemiology, Director of the Residency Program in Applied Epidemiology, Director of Applied Epidemiology, and Director of Epidemiological Surveillance.
His spirit of teamwork and exchange of ideas, his collaboration with partners, dedication, and passion for the health of the populations of the Americas will be remembered forever.
In this special issue of the Immunization Newsletter, learn about Dr. Ruiz's career as a health professional and his work at PAHO.
