Lina María Espinosa

A Colombian social entrepreneur who pioneered community health initiatives in marginalized areas during the 1980s.

Lina María Espinosa (b. 1958) emerged as a transformative figure in Colombia’s health sector during the 1980s, focusing on underserved populations affected by political violence and poverty. Growing up in a conflict-affected region, she recognized the link between poor health outcomes and systemic inequality. In 1985, she co-founded the Asociación Salud Comunitaria, which developed mobile health clinics and trained local volunteers to deliver prenatal care, disease prevention, and mental health support in rural zones. Her model reduced maternal mortality rates by 40% in participating communities.

Espinosa’s innovation was integrating traditional healing practices with modern medicine, creating culturally resonant programs. She collaborated with the Pan American Health Organization to establish the first "health promoters" certification program, training over 2,000 community members by 1995. Her 1992 book Health as Liberation (Amazon Link) inspired global health NGOs to adopt community-led approaches. Despite threats from paramilitary groups, she expanded operations to urban slums, addressing HIV/AIDS stigma through theater-based education campaigns. Today, her network operates in 12 countries through the Salud Global alliance.