Maria Paula Requena-Herrera, MD MSc(c)
International Scholar
- Researcher, One Health Unit | Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru
- Peru
- Climate and Health | Epidemiology | Implementation Science | Infectious disease | Mixed Methods | One Health | Point of Care Ultrasound | Spatial Epidemiology | Zoonotic Diseases
Languages: English (Proficient), Spanish (Native)
Bio statement
María Paula Requena Herrera, MD, MSc(c), is a physician and early-career researcher from Peru and a researcher at the One Health Unit at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH). She is completing an MSc in Global One Health at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp and the University of Pretoria, as well as a Master’s in Control of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at UPCH.
Her research focuses on neglected zoonotic diseases, particularly cystic echinococcosis, with an interest in how migration, social inequities, and health-system barriers influence disease transmission and access to care. Her work combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to inform equitable, evidence-based interventions and strengthen One Health approaches to public health. Dr. Requena also participated in CGH's Summer Visiting Fellows program in 2026.
Recent global health projects
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Neglected diseases among migrant populations in southern Peru I have worked on a mixed-methods community-based study investigating neglected diseases and barriers to healthcare among migrant populations in southern Peru. The project combined epidemiological surveys, diagnostic screening, and qualitative research to characterize health needs and understand how socioeconomic conditions, migration, and access to healthcare shape health outcomes. The findings aim to inform more equitable approaches to disease detection and healthcare delivery among underserved and mobile populations. Understanding barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of cystic echinococcosis in Peru I am conducting a qualitative study exploring the experiences, practices, and challenges of healthcare professionals involved in the management of cystic echinococcosis in southern Peru. Using interviews and focus groups, the project examines individual, organizational, and health-system factors that influence the adoption of recommended diagnostic and surgical practices. The goal is to identify implementation gaps and develop context-specific strategies to strengthen CE care. |
Selected publications
Castillo-Neyra R, Victor Gutiérrez Zarate W, Requena-Herrera MP, et al. Hidden Burden of Cystic Echinococcosis in Arequipa, Peru: An Unrecognized Population at Risk. Am J Trop Med Hyg. Published online July 7, 2026. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.26-0046 https://www.ajtmh.org/view/journals/tpmd/aop/article-10.4269-ajtmh.26-0046/article-10.4269-ajtmh.26-0046.xml
De la Cruz-Saldana T, Bustos JA, Requena-Herrera MP, et al. A scoping review on control strategies for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Preprint. medRxiv. 2025;2024.08.21.24312335. Published 2025 Jan 6. doi:10.1101/2024.08.21.24312335 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949915125000265
Last Updated: 26 August 2026