Recipient of numerous national awards from the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. María Guadalupe Guzmán Tirado, Doctor of Medical Sciences, was recently awarded the Honorary Title of Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba.
Rightly regarded as the female face of Cuban virology due to her many contributions to the field, she stated that she received the high distinction with deep humility and, above all, as a commitment to keep moving forward.
“For me, it has a special meaning because it represents recognition of the work of a scientific collective I’ve led for many years. It is the greatest motivation to continue working with young people, our successors, and to instill in them a love for the profession and the drive to advance virology and microbiology in the country.
“I cannot help but evoke Professor Gustavo Kourí, my mentor, my life partner, with whom I built a beautiful family. I owe much of my professional achievements to him. At his side, I grew as a scientist.
“There is someone who deserves this recognition as much as I do—my mother. I have always counted on her love and unconditional support in the most difficult circumstances. Since childhood, she taught me the importance of studying and being an independent woman. To her, my infinite gratitude.”
Born in Havana on January 19, 1952, Dr. Lupe—as she is affectionately called by family, friends, and colleagues—is the author of more than 400 scientific articles and editorials, holds six invention patents, and has written 20 book chapters.
She is considered one of the world’s authorities in medical virology, especially regarding dengue. A Distinguished Member of the Cuban Academy of Sciences and of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), she chaired the Arbovirus Laboratory Network of the Americas, coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), from 2010 to 2018.
She was also part of the WHO's Dengue Vaccine Advisory Committee and, in 2021, was appointed to the WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
In 2022, she was one of five women to receive the International Prize for Women in Science, awarded by the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO. She was the first scientist from the Caribbean region to receive this prestigious award.
According to UNESCO’s statement at the time, Dr. Guzmán was honored for her global contributions to understanding dengue, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
A traumatic beginning
After graduating with a medical degree in December 1975, Dr. Guadalupe Guzmán specialized in Microbiology and Virology at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC) until September 1980, when she began working at the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK).
At just 29, she became head of the Arbovirus Laboratory. Her beginnings there could not have been more challenging.
At just 29, she became head of the Arbovirus Laboratory. Her beginnings there could not have been more challenging.
“We didn’t know at first what we were dealing with or why there were so many severe cases with hemorrhagic symptoms. It spread very rapidly across the country, affecting some 344,200 people in just over four months.
“That battle was my great school; it made me grow as a virologist and as a person. Though they were tense, sleepless days, I had the immense privilege of participating in the isolation and identification of dengue virus type 2, alongside two eminent Cuban scientists and physicians, Drs. Pedro Más Lago and Gustavo Kourí Flores.”
Beyond her renowned work in virology, Dr. Guadalupe Guzmán has directed, for the past eight years, the Center for Research, Diagnosis, and Reference (CIDR) at IPK. This center includes national reference labs in virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, entomology, and vector control, as well as departments for pharmacological research, among others.
CIDR currently offers five master's programs—four accredited as excellent and one certified—and hosts a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center for Tuberculosis Elimination.
“In 2025, we are introducing advanced technologies to support research in epigenetics and proteomics.”
Now 73, the Full Professor at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana hopes for good health to continue contributing to the progress of Cuban virology and to enjoy the love of her son and grandchildren—the great loves of this acclaimed scientist.
“Today, the specialty is in a full stage of development, with the strength and knowledge to face major health challenges, as COVID-19 once was.
“Our department at IPK has modern technological support, qualified personnel and trainees, and experience in epidemic diagnosis and management. Recently, we have regionalized new molecular diagnostics for respiratory viruses, several arboviruses, and sexually transmitted infections, among others.”
According to Dr. Guzmán Tirado, the main strength of CIDR and IPK lies in the human and professional quality of their teams—their dedication, scientific preparation, and commitment to responding to any public health emergency in the field of infectious diseases. “It is a great satisfaction to be part of such a wonderful group. I cannot imagine my life without them.”(Source: Granma)