W O R L D A I D S D A Y 1 D E C — D R M A R C H E S I N I
Dr Marchesini is one of the excellent proofs of the fact that nowadays people with HIV can lead a perfectly normal life. Marchesini is Italian surgeon and priest living and working in Mozambique (he's been living in Africa since 1970s), and he contracted HIV through his work nearly two decades ago.
Marchesini is specialized in repairing vesico-vaginal fistulas that very unfortunately are a significant problem in developing countries; addressing them is also included in the UN Millennium goals. Marchesini is very passionate about his work, but he's also aware of his age (he turned 80 this year), and he tries to train younger generations whenever he can.
In winter 2020, when the pandemic started, Marchesini happened to be in Italy, where he then had to remain for several months due to the travel restrictions. As soon as it was possible, he returned to Mozambique and back to work. Quite unsurprisingly, he soon contracted the coronavirus, ending up as patient at his own workplace. Fortunately he recovered and returned to work once again.
In 2014, Dr Marchesini won the United Nations Population Award together with Johns Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
(The photos have been taken in 2013.) |