Mechai Viravaidya

Date of Birth: January 17, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Mechai Viravaidya, often referred to as “Mr. Condom,” is a renowned Thai activist and public health advocate born on January 17, 1941. He has dedicated his life to promoting family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention, and rural development in Thailand. Mechai’s innovative and often humorous approach to these serious issues has earned him international recognition and numerous awards. Mechai was born in Bangkok, Thailand, to a Scottish mother and a Thai father, both of whom were medical doctors. He was educated in Australia and later returned to Thailand, where he began his career as an economist working with the National Economic and Social Development Board. However, it was his work with the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), an organization he founded in 1974, that brought him widespread acclaim. The PDA implemented a variety of grassroots programs aimed at improving health and economic conditions in rural areas. Mechai’s creative methods of promoting condom use—including distributing condoms in schools, workplaces, and even at Buddhist temples—were instrumental in reducing Thailand’s population growth rate and curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. In addition to his work with the PDA, Mechai has served as a senator in the Thai government and has been involved in numerous other public health and development initiatives. His tireless efforts have had a profound impact on the well-being of millions of people in Thailand and beyond.

5 Interesting Facts about Mechai Viravaidya

1. Mechai Viravaidya earned the nickname “Mr. Condom” due to his extensive work in promoting condom use for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.

2. He founded the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) in 1974 to address issues of population control and rural development in Thailand.

3. Mechai introduced the concept of “Cabbages and Condoms” restaurants in Thailand, where proceeds support PDA’s activities, and condoms are given out instead of mints.

4. His innovative methods and campaigns helped significantly reduce Thailand’s birth rate from 3.2% in the 1970s to 0.5% by the 1990s.

5. Mechai has received numerous awards for his work, including the United Nations Population Award and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Award.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mechai Viravaidya

1. “Our job is to keep hope alive. It’s something that is a continuous process.”

2. “If you want to be effective, you can’t be boring.”

3. “Condoms should be as accessible as vegetables in the market.”

4. “We believe in making family planning fun and entertaining. That’s how you get people to listen.”

5. “Education and accessibility are the keys to improving public health.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mechai Viravaidya’s highest net worth is not publicly documented as he is primarily known for his philanthropic work rather than personal financial gain.