Gabriela Paz-Bailey | Chief of the Dengue Branch
CDC

Gabriela Paz-Bailey, MD, PhD, MSc, DTM&H is the head of the Dengue Branch (DB) in the Vector-Borne Diseases Division (DVBD) of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), in San Juan , Puerto Rico. Dr. Paz-Bailey earned her degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala. She continued her postgraduate studies at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in the United Kingdom, where she obtained a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine and International Health, and a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology. She began working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2000 as an Epidemiological Intelligence Service officer.
Throughout her career, Dr. Paz-Bailey has consistently shown her dedication to using science-based tools to solve real-world health problems. Her work spans multiple continents, where she has partnered with Ministries of Health, national, and international public health organizations to strengthen treatment programs, surveillance systems, and disease prevention initiatives. Her expertise in infectious diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, Chagas disease, Hepatitis B and C, and arboviruses like Dengue and Zika, has been instrumental in advancing global health.
As the Chief of the Dengue Branch of the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Paz-Bailey continues to lead with vision and determination. She is at the forefront of efforts to understand dengue transmission dynamics, evaluate novel mosquito control interventions, and develop dengue vaccine policies. The ambitious goal of eliminating dengue from Puerto Rico by 2035 is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public health.
Dr. Paz-Bailey’s leadership is not only defined by her scientific achievements but also by her ability to inspire and mentor the next generation of public health professionals. Her role in major public health emergencies, including the Ebola, Zika, COVID-19 and Dengue-Oropouche responses, underscores her resilience and capacity to lead under pressure. Through her work, Dr. Paz-Bailey has shown that effective public health leadership is about building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and always striving for innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.