Gina Carrioni Denyer

Biography and Expertise of Gina Carrioni Denyer

Gina Carrioni Denyer has established herself as a leading voice in the field of intercultural health in Latin America. Her career is a testament to a deep commitment to ensuring that the health and educational rights of ethnic groups, including indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Roma communities, are recognized and integrated into national policies. As an anthropologist, she brings a unique and essential perspective to public health, emphasizing cultural understanding as the foundation for effective and equitable healthcare delivery.

Her work directly embodies the thematic axis “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” For years, Gina Carrioni Denyer has been at the forefront of designing and implementing intercultural health models within Colombia, advising government ministries on how to create policies that respect and incorporate traditional knowledge. This hands-on policy experience is invaluable to the 3rd WCTCIM, as it provides a tangible example of South-South collaboration in action and aligns perfectly with the congress’s motto of promoting “Knowledge Diversity.”

Furthermore, her consultancy with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and BIREME on evidence mapping and the TCIM Americas Virtual Health Library (VHL) directly supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. By helping to build a robust, accessible evidence base for traditional and complementary medicine, she contributes to a future where science and tradition can coexist and mutually reinforce one another, ultimately strengthening global public health for all.

Professional Career

Gina Carrioni Denyer’s career transitions from shaping national policy within government to advising international organizations and educating anthropologists. Her career began with influential roles inside the Colombian government, where she laid the groundwork for many of the country’s key intercultural health initiatives. Subsequently, as an independent consultant, she has broadened her impact across the Americas.

This path reflects a consistent dedication to applying anthropological insights to solve real-world challenges in public health and education. Therefore, her experience provides a comprehensive view of the policy lifecycle, from design to implementation and knowledge dissemination.

• 2017 – Present: Independent Consultant, providing expert advisory services to international organizations such as PAHO/WHO, BIREME, and the TCIM Americas Network.
• Present: Adjunct Professor (Profesora de Cátedra), Department of Anthropology at the Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, where she teaches on human rights, indigenous peoples, and health anthropology.
• 2012 – 2016: Advisor, Directorate of Promotion and Prevention, Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia, where she was instrumental in designing intercultural health policies and models for ethnic groups.
• Prior Governmental Role: Advisor in the Ministry of Education of Colombia, focusing on the design of curricular guidelines for health personnel working with diverse ethnic populations.
• Consultancy for BIREME: Served as a key consultant for the development and updating of the TCIM VHL for the Americas, including the creation of evidence maps and the new Window of Knowledge on Traditional Medicines.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Gina Carrioni Denyer is intrinsically interdisciplinary, merging the social sciences with practical applications in health and education. Her training as an anthropologist provides the critical lens through which she analyzes and addresses health disparities, while her advanced studies in social development have equipped her with the tools to design and implement effective, community-centered programs. This blend of disciplines is central to her success in the complex field of intercultural health.

Her qualifications are further enhanced by her linguistic capabilities, which allow her to work fluidly across the diverse cultural landscapes of the Americas. This robust academic and practical preparation makes her a uniquely qualified expert in her field.

• Master’s Degree in Educational and Social Development: Earned from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in consortium with CINDE (2004-2006), this degree focused on the social dynamics of education and community development.
• Diploma in Medical Anthropology: This specialized training provided her with targeted expertise in understanding health, illness, and healing from a cross-cultural perspective.
• Degree in Anthropology: Her foundational undergraduate studies provided the theoretical and methodological basis for her entire career.
• Trilingual Proficiency: Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong oral and written knowledge of Portuguese, facilitating effective collaboration throughout the Americas region.

Research and Publications

Gina Carrioni Denyer’s research applies directly to public policy, creating practical tools for health systems. She translates complex concepts into actionable guidelines, focusing on operationalizing interculturality to improve health outcomes for ethnic populations.

Her key contributions include co-authoring foundational documents for the Colombian health system, guiding the integration of indigenous health systems with national frameworks. This work models similar policies for other nations, aligning with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Key Contributions to Knowledge Management

Beyond national policy, Gina Carrioni Denyer’s work with BIREME on the TCIM Americas Virtual Health Library is a major regional knowledge management achievement. She updated and expanded this central repository of scientific evidence on traditional medicine for the continent, crucial for building the evidence base called for by the Gujarat Declaration, making information accessible and strengthening health decisions.

• Guía de orientación para el cuidado de la salud de los pueblos indígenas de Colombia desde la perspectiva del Sistema Indígena de Salud Propia e Intercultural-SISPI (2021): A landmark Colombian Ministry of Health guide for implementing the Indigenous Peoples’ Own and Intercultural Health System.
• Lineamientos para la formulación de planes territoriales de salud (2012): Contributed to Ministry of Health guidelines for territorial health plans, inclusive of ethnic and cultural diversity.
• Development of the TCIM VHL Americas: Led consultancy to create an evidence map on interculturality and develop the Window of Knowledge of Traditional Medicines for this regional platform.

Recognitions and Institutional Impact

While formal awards are one measure of achievement, the career of Gina Carrioni Denyer is best understood through the significant institutional trust placed in her by national governments and international health organizations. Her consistent appointment to high-level advisory roles serves as a powerful recognition of her expertise and impact on the field of intercultural public health. These positions are a testament to her ability to navigate complex political and cultural landscapes to effect meaningful change.

This “de facto” recognition underscores her standing as one of the region’s foremost experts. Her influence is measured not in trophies, but in the policies she has shaped and the health systems she has helped make more equitable.

• Scientific Committee Membership, 3rd WCTCIM: Her inclusion in the scientific committee for this global congress affirms her status as a respected leader in the field of TCIM.
• High-Level Government Advisor: Her tenure as an advisor to both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in Colombia represents a significant level of institutional trust in her ability to shape national policy for millions of citizens.
• Lead Consultant for PAHO/WHO and BIREME: Being selected by premier international health bodies to lead critical projects, such as the development of the TCIM VHL, demonstrates international recognition of her unique skill set and contributions.
• Consultant for the TCIM Americas Network: Her ongoing role with this key regional network highlights her central position in the ongoing dialogue and strategic development of integrative medicine in the Americas.

Committee and Network Engagement

Gina Carrioni Denyer actively shapes the direction of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in the Americas through her dedicated participation in key committees and networks. This engagement goes beyond advisory roles, placing her at the center of strategic planning and scientific oversight for the region. Her involvement ensures that intercultural perspectives are embedded in the very structure of TCIM governance.

This work is crucial for fostering collaboration and building a cohesive community of practice. Through these activities, she helps set the agenda for research, policy, and education in the field, ensuring its continued development and integration.

• Member of the Scientific Committee, 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (WCTCIM): In this role, she contributes to shaping the scientific program of the most important global event in the field, ensuring its relevance and rigor, particularly for the Latin American context.
• Consultant and Member of the TCIM Americas Network: She is an active participant in this vital network, a collaborative platform for advancing TCIM in the Americas. Her work supports the network’s initiatives in policy development, information sharing, and capacity building across member states.

Connect with Gina Carrioni Denyer

To further explore the impactful work and publications of Gina Carrioni Denyer, please consult her professional and academic profiles. These resources offer detailed information on her research, career history, and ongoing contributions to the field of intercultural health and anthropology.

ORCID Profile: View Verified Professional Record

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

Faculty Profile, Universidad de los Andes: View Academic Profile