Dr Gamini Jayakuru:

Role model for healthcare professionals

The sudden demise of Dr Gamini Jayakuru, former Director of the National STD/AIDS Control Program has caused deep sorrow among his colleagues. After serving the Anti VD Campaign for several years in many parts of the country, initially as a medical officer and later as a consultant venereologist, in 1985 he assumed duties as the Director of the National STD/AIDS Control Program (NSACP). His tenure as Director, saw the NSACP reach its heights as a premier public health program not only in Sri Lanka but also in the South East Asian region. As the pioneering leader in the control of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka he initiated the National Task Force which was later improved as the National AIDS Committee. This allowed the country to mount a concerted response against HIV/AIDS that has been instrumental in Sri Lanka continuing to maintain its position as a country of low prevalence in the region.

Undoubtedly his most outstanding contribution is the pivotal and lead role he played in control of AIDS by establishing the National STD/AIDS Control Program in Sri Lanka in 1985.

As Director he worked closely with other national programs in the health sector dealing with blood transfusion, health of the mother and child, media and communication, tuberculosis and medical research and UN agencies.

Many categories of health professionals in different medical disciplines have benefited from his expertise ranging from medical undergraduates and postgraduates, public health inspectors, nursing officers, to private sector health personnel.

He played a major role in the establishment of the College of Venereologists in 1998. This not only ensured that the Health Ministry would have adequate numbers of specialists to deal with the emerging HIV /AIDS epidemic but further opened up a new path for professional advancement of young doctors.

Today, the Board of Study in Venereology conducts courses conferring a Diploma and the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the specialty. He has served as the Chairperson of the Board of Study in Venereology and has served as an examiner as well.

In 2003 Dr Jayakuru was elected a Fellow of the Sri Lanka College of Venereologists in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the speciality.

His expertise in the sphere of STI/HIV/AIDS has been recognized both regionally and internationally.

He has served as a WHO Temporary Advisor and a WHO short term technical advisor on STI/HIV/AIDS to the South East Asian region. He has represented the country at many regional consultative meetings related to the control and prevention of STI/HIV/AIDS.

His leadership and good governance qualities will serve as a role model for future generations of healthcare professionals especially in venereology.

We share the sorrow and grief with Mrs. Wimal Jayakuru and family. May he attain the Supreme bliss of Nibbana.

- The Sri Lanka College of Venereologists