[Brian]

Dear Colleagues,

I share your outrage over the shooting of Dr Dixit. Violence has sadly become endemic to Nepali life despite the generally warm, peaceful and diligent character of the people. History shows us that no civilization is immune. When an innocent person of Professor Dixit's stature--physician, humanitarian, educator and writer--is gunned down, no one is secure.

Violence in any form, whether by Maoists, army and police or common criminals, is a public health emergency and must be suppressed. If we as physicians prevent infectious diseases by immunization and advocacy for santitation, we must also work to prevent violence. I am proud of your protests and urge you to continue to make your voices heard, to create a society where everyone is safe from assault.

I join you in wishing Dr Dixit a speedy, full and comfortable recovery and look forward to meeting you at our trauma seminar on 13 May, which is another facet of our humanitarian mission.