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Rafael Saavedra, DrPH

Project Manager
Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit, Puerto Rico, United States

Rafael A. Saavedra-Hernández is an accomplished public health professional and epidemiologist currently serving as a Project Manager at the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit. With over a decade of experience in arboviral disease prevention, he leads multidisciplinary teams focused on mosquito population dynamics and integrated vector management.

Throughout his career, Dr. Saavedra-Hernández has demonstrated significant expertise in managing large-scale public health initiatives and evaluating emerging technologies. This includes leading the deployment and scientific evaluation of innovative tools in Puerto Rico, such as passive emanators for mosquito control and Wolbachia-mediated population suppression strategies. His work bridges the gap between technical implementation and community engagement, ensuring that new methodologies are both scientifically sound and socially accepted.

His professional journey began in 2014 as a Research Assistant in arbovirus surveillance, eventually progressing through roles in community mobilization and vector control supervision. He has also played critical roles in emergency responses for the Zika and COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as natural disaster recovery efforts.

Dr. Saavedra-Hernández holds a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) in Epidemiology and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health from Ponce Health Sciences University, where he received academic honors and awards for his performance.

His contributions to the field have been widely recognized by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). In 2021, he received the prestigious Boyd-Ariaz Grassroots Award and has consistently placed in national poster competitions for his research on vector control and community engagement strategies. Beyond his professional work, he is a dedicated community member with a history of service in the Boy Scouts of America and the American Red Cross.

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