An Anthropoligical view of HIV/AIDS written by Sirimal Peiris published by Savisthri Organisation and organized by the People’s Health Movement was launched on 04 August 2007 at the Nagarodaya Sarvodaya Centre, Danister de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 8.
There was a speciality on the occasion as the people who were in attendance to grace the occasion included people living with HIV, Sex Workers, Politicians, Social Activists and Professionals.
There was a speciality on the occasion as the people who were in attendance to grace the occasion included people living with HIV, Sex Workers, Politicians, Social Activists and Professionals.
Dr (Ms.) Indira Hettiarachchi, Director/ILO Work Place HIV/AIDS Programme was the main speaker. She delivered a very vibrant lecture on the subject and did a good analysis on the book. She said that when we undertake to carry out HIV/AIDS Education Programmes, we cannot underestimate the people living with HIV. Their support to HIV/AIDS control needs to be obtained. We have to respect their dignity and rights and take necessary steps to stop any kind of discrimination meted out to them. Sirimal Peiris has taken efforts to emphasise these factors in his book and Dr Hettiarachchi said that this is a duty of all of us.
Ms Mangalika Princy spoke on behalf of the people who are living with HIV. She appreciated the book very much and she informed those present that the writer from beginning to the end has written about how the rights of the people who are living with HIV has to be protected. She appreciated the efforts taken by Sirimal Peiris and she said that it was a memorable event for them.
A Street Sex Worker addressed the Forum and explained to those present the problems encountered by them and that their right to live as human beings have been violated. She further said that they are the most vulnerable section for HIV, but they could not get awareness on the subject because of the existing discrimination.
Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Peiris, Executive Secretary, National Christian Council expressed his views on the duty of the Religious Leaders to control HIV/AIDS. He mentioned that the Writer has tried to emphasise in his Book to go beyond the traditional way.Politician and Presidential Advisor, Mr Vasudeva Nanayakkara congratulated Sirimal Peiris on his achievement for writing this kind of book and said that he has done a good job. He further said that he has done a sociological study about HIV/AIDS.
Mr BA Ranaweera, Health Education Specialist stated that this book is an eye opener to several paths to control HIV/AIDS beyond the traditional health systems and that this book has shown the value of anthropological approach to control HIV/AIDS.
Dr Dayanath Ranatunga, ILO Workplace HIV/AIDS Control Programme Officer who functioned as the Moderator explained how Sirimal Peiris had tried to say to avoid the victim-blame approach and to use rights-base approach for the HIV/AIDS Control Programmes. He further stated that it is of paramount importance to give due consideration to this idea.
At the end of the session, Ms Padma Pushpakanthi, National Co-ordinator, Savisthri Organisation delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of Savisthri and the People’s Health Movement.
Lastly, those present were invited to have a traditional sweet meat (Halapa) and a cup of herbal drink (Belli Mal (Bellie Flowers).
PH MOVEMENT/SAVISTHRI