Vivian Leal Barquero is a patient advocate and public policy expert from Costa Rica, recognised for her leadership in advancing patient rights and strengthening health systems. 

With a background in public health, her work focuses on promoting equitable access to healthcare and contributing to national health legislation reform. Her mission is to ensure that mental health care dignified, community-centred and a recognised as a human right, while working to eliminate structural barriers to comprehensive health and wellbeing. Vivian also brings lived experience to her advocacy. Since 2003, she has faced multiple health challenges, including breast cancer, liver disease, diabetes, and hypertension.  

She collaborates with several civil society organisations, including Destrezas para la Salud, the NGO she  founded; the Federation of Patient NGOs of Costa Rica, where she served as President for five years; and the Costa Rica Saludable Association, where she served as President for two years.