Mariarca Viscovo: A multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve prevention strategies”
The word prevention is sometimes not understood, other times it is even feared but the truth is perhaps a cultural fact that feeds on a technical background, on awareness of means and strategies, but above all on making all these factors available to the community in time before cge it of meeting places in the midst of the usual social and economic ford. A meeting dedicated to raising awareness and preventing viral hepatitis and HIV, took place in the San Giovanni a Teduccio complex of the University of Naples Federico II, bringing together experts, institutions, associations, citizens, local schools, forces of order and Emergency, all united in the fight against these serious pathologies.
The initiative of high social and educational value was promoted by Councilor Mariarca Viscovo who together with Prof. Ivan Gentile demonstrated a strong commitment in the realization of the event that was inaugurated by the institutional greetings of Dr. Alessandro Fucito, President of the 6th Municipality of the City of Naples together with Dr. Mariarca Viscovo, Legal and Councilor for social policies and work and Dr. Giuseppe Gambardella, Consul of the Republic of Benin in Naples.
Prof. Ivan Gentile, Director of the Infectious Diseases Unit of the AOU Federico II, outlined the objectives of the meeting, with particular focus on HIV, HBV and HCV, highlighting the current knowledge on these diseases and the intervention strategies available also representing of SIMIT (Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases). In fact, he underlined: “These infections are often underestimated by young people, but prevention depends above all on behaviors, including those for safe sex.”
Councilor Mariarca Viscovo declared: “Public health is a fundamental pillar of social and labor policies. Today more than ever it is crucial to educate our citizens, and especially young people, on the importance of preventing infectious diseases which requires a multidisciplinary approach in line with OneHealth. It is not a problem confined to healthcare facilities alone; it involves justice, the education system, the third sector and local institutions. Knowing means being able to act in a conscious and responsible manner, and this event represents a significant step in this direction.”
The event continued with a series of round tables, led by Enzo Agliardi, Director of Videometro news network. The first session addressed HBV and HCV viral hepatitis, with interventions by Dr. Ernesto Claar (Hepatology Unit – Evangelico Betania Hospital), Dr. Nicola Palmiero (Director of the Center for Juvenile Justice of Campania), Dr. Lorenzo Acampora , (Director of the health protection unit in the penitentiary institutions of the ASL Napoli1), of Dr. Biagio Pinchera (UOC Infectious Diseases – AOU Federico II), of Dr. Marco Bartoli (EPAC Association) and of Dr. Vincenza Conturso (SerD 32) .
Prof. Matteo Lorito, Magnificent Rector of the University of Naples Federico II argued that it was “an important event in which local politics, active and also strong-willed in doing prevention, together with universities and great experts on these issues they came together to inform and prevent.” Subsequently, HIV was discussed with the participation of Dr. Emanuela Zappulo and Dr. Giovanni Di Filippo (both from the UOC Infectious Diseases – AOU Federico II) and the Associazione Salute Antinoo Arcigay Napoli.
The participants had the opportunity to interact with experts, encouraging an exchange of knowledge and opinions on the prevention of infectious diseases. Also present were the Mayor of Casamarciano Clemente Primiano, the Councilor of the Municipality of Ischia Luigi Di Vaia and the secondary schools of the territory with representation of young people (ISIS Archimede, L.SC. Calamandrei, IPSEOA Cavalcanti, ISIS Livatino, Iis Sannino De Cillis).
Dr. Immacolata Viscovo, Preventive Medicine biologist stated: “Preventive medicine supported by public policies and scientific research, together with the promotion of healthy lifestyles, represents the key to improving the health of the population.”
The meeting concluded with key messages from Dr. Mariarca Viscovo and Dr. Ernesto Claar who, as a doctor who works in close contact with the local reality, added: “Today’s event highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions, scientific community, civil society and local schools in the fight against viral hepatitis and HIV. Awareness and prevention are the main tools to protect citizens’ health and require continuous and joint commitment.”
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