Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 7: World AIDS Day took place around the globe on December 1 to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS and to support the 37.9 million people around the world living with the virus.
This year’s theme was 'Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community', highlighting the role of communities in preventing, treating and supporting people with HIV. “I believe in communities,” UN AIDS executive director, Winnie Byanyima said in a statement. “Communities make change happen. With communities in the lead and governments living up to their promises, we will end AIDS.”
The formal function began with Karnataka Nada Geethe followed by a welcome address by Dr Badruddin M N, the District AIDS Prevention and Control officer. Briefing on World AIDS Day and its prevention was done by Dr Ramakrishnana Rao.
The programme was then inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the chief guest- Kadaloor Sathyanarayana Acharya, the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Dakshina Kannada, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Fr Richard Coelho, director-FMCI; Civil Judge and Legal Services Authority Member Secretary, A G Gangadhar ; Administrator- FMMCH, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa; Chief of Research- FMCI, Dr Sanjeev Rai; Asst Administrator- FMMCH, Fr Nelson Pais, Medical Superintendent- FMMCH, Dr Uday Kumar and vice-dean- FMMC, Dr Padmaja Udaykumar.
Judge K S Acharya praised the Father Muller Charitable Institutions with over 140 years of service in healthcare is opening its doors for such events and supporting the cause of the people in bettering their health. He praised the administration of the hospital to help eradicate or control many diseases. He said that the dedication with which Father Muller works is par excellence and with great determination.
Fr Richard Coelho also speaking on the occasion said, “God has given us life and therefore we should live our lives fully. We need to protect our lives and also live for others. Life has to be saved, and not lost, but sadly, these days we see there is no respect for life, where people get murdered, raped, tortured, or threat to lives. Disease or illness can come to anyone, anytime. HIV earlier was considered a stigma, but not anymore, because many now know how to tackle AIDS/HIV through prevention and awareness programmes. We all dream of a healthy society, but we have to join hands to make our lives useful, fruitful and healthful. We need to have respect for life- Irrespective of caste or creed, or those with deadly diseases. We should know that counselling, prayers and support are needed to make a society a healthy one."
The formal function ended with a powerpoint presentation on AIDS and its prevention by Dr Abhilash V- Senior resident Dr at FMCI-OBG department; and also a witty and entertaining Yakshagana on the topic AIDS by the Shamboor Lingeshwara Yahshagana Mela.
This government level programme was appreciated by many and many government healthcare institutions were part of the event.