FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 3/2/08
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
Press contact only: Mary Hott 304-258-2300
Lecture Series:
ART AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH IN AFRICA
BERKELEY SPRINGS ---- On Sunday, March 9 at 7pm at the Ice House, Dr. Mahnaz
Motevalli-Oliner will speak about her research and work in the prevention and
care of HIV/AIDS patients in Uganda as the third free Ice House Cultural Lecture.
Mahnaz was curator of the African Art show featured at the Ice House Gallery in
July 2006 in which artwork done through her project was showcased.
Understanding how HIV research alone cannot address psychosocial, economic, and
nutritional issues, Mahnaz discusses her experiences of how many activities, including
music, dance, dramatic performance, and crafts, have improved the general quality of
life of her patients. Her presentation includes both an exhibit of some of the art
created by the women as well as videos of the children's drumming group.
Dr. Motevalli-Oliner, an international medicine expert, is an integral part of the
Makerere University – Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration which
was established in 1988 as an early response to the burgeoning HIV epidemic in Uganda.
Today, it is one of the leading HIV research and Family Care Centers in Africa.
As part of her position in International Medicine at Johns Hopkins. Mahnaz was instrumental
in establishing income generating programs for the women at the MU-JHU center that include
basket weaving, beading and gardening. She established Young Generation Alive, a unique
psychosocial group for HIV infected children. This is a child friendly approach with play
therapy, story telling, music, dance and drama. The Music, Dance and Drama Group perform
in the community sending HIV prevention and reduction of stigma messages through music,
dance and drama.
Dr. Motevalli-Oliner received an MD and a PHD from Johns Hopkins Medical School and a
second PHD from University of Maryland Medical School. For the past several years she
has been traveling to Africa and China as part of her work.
