Orestes Diniz (1902-1966) is a key figure in the history of leprosy in Brazil. He was the first director of the leprosarium Santa Izabel Colony in 1931. He became Chief of the Leprosy Service in 1958 and general director of the National Public Health Department in 1960. He was also Professor of leprology at the School of Medicine, State of Minas Gerais. Diniz worked for many years in the public health services of the State of Minas Gerais and the Federal Government, drawing upon his experience of the scientific and social aspects of leprosy to further the development of their national and international institutions. Diniz was a member of the International Leprosy Association and published over 150 scientific papers on leprosy. Amongst the various honors he received were, Commander of the Military and Hospital Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, Order of Medical Merit of Brazil and the Order of Inconfidencia of Minas Gerais.

International Journal of Leprosy, Centennial Festskrift edition, Vol 41, No 2. 1973.

Biographical articles have been written by Jde A Pupo, Rev Bras Leprol 34.1 (1966): 1-2 and by E Agricola, Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis 34.2 (1966): 204.