Re: Demise of Dr Kodiyattu

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

Serving PLHIV has been my deed to serve God€ are the words on which Dr

Kodiyattu of St 's Trust (Samalkot) would normally begin his presentation.

It is hard to accept the fact that this Mother of Samalkot who cherished

such gospel values even in this “era of technical professionalism in

HIV/AIDS†is no more amongst us.

Demise of this unsung hero has brought great loss to PLHIV groups and committed

civil society movement in particular to East Godavari district and for Andhra

Pradesh state.

For three decades, he led the Leprosy and HIV/AIDS activism in the district and

often challenged HIV interventions for their commitment and work culture. He

would also be remembered in the state for his unique articulation with

Malayalam-Telugu (Malugu!!) accent.

This restless doctor of the masses had an extraordinary courage and been

proactive for district administration in taking up challenges to render care and

support services for PLHIV and their children. He reaffirmed that the District

Collectors, as the sole and largest funders for any public health program

including HIV/AIDS.

Dr always had been a well-wisher of SAATHII and assisted on several

occasions in establishing its Andhra Pradesh Family Care Continuum (APFCC)

Program in the state. On behalf of SAATHII, I extend heartfelt condolences and

recovery from this loss to his family, the entire team of St. ’s Trust and

the groups they serve. We pray hard for his soul rest in peace and benign with

the almighty god.

With warmest regards and for SAATHII,

Kaveesher Krishnan

Senior Program Manager

SAATHII: Solidarity and Action Against The HIV Infection in India

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Telephone: 040 27674757 Telefax: 040 2674757 Mobile: 9989361226

Email: kaveesher@...

www.saathii.org